keen hold in 3rd, improved to lead 3 out, pressed and drifted slightly left before last, kept on well run-in, headed close home
held up in rear, slight peck 5th, niggled along into 2nd before straight, challenged and carried slightly left before last, stayed on well under pressure to lead close home
led, clear early, joined from 5th, led again and attempted to assert approaching 4 out, reduced lead and headed next, no extra and kept on same pace from before straight
chased leader, improved to be on terms from 5th, slight mistake 6th, soon 2nd again, ridden before 3 out, no extra and kept on same pace from before straight
RATTAN easily landed a maiden hurdle at Ballinrobe before a fine effort in a much better race at Punchestown. He's been competing at a high level in handicaps on the Flat and should have no problems gaining his second success over timber. Tico landed a Tramore maiden in April and ran quite well on his handicap debut here but he's been disappointing on his two latest starts and the hunter chaser The Snuffler has yet to show any real ability over hurdles. Heavenly Bound is running very well and has to be the main threat. He landed a Roscommon handicap easily enough a month ago and his subsequent runs in better company suggest he will make the likely favourite fight all the way.
Heavenly Bound (IRE) 12-1 (10-5) Towards rear, 10th 3 out, ridden to chase leaders and no impression from next, moderate 3rd at last, kept on without troubling winner run-in, 2nd of 17, 7l behind Bobby John (10-1) at Galway 2m 2f hcp hdl 8Evens16 gd in Jul.
Rattan (USA) 14-1 (11-12) Held up, closer in 9th after 4 out, kept on same pace without threatening under pressure from after 2 out, 4th of 17, 6l behind Tornedo Shay (11-12) at Punchestown 2m 4f hdl gs in May.
Tico (IRE) 18-1 (12-4) Towards rear for most, never a factor, 12th of 18, 39l behind Rainforest Magic (11-10) at Galway 2m 2f am hcp hdl 88-109 gd in Jul.
The Snuffler (IRE) 25-1 (9-10) Towards rear for most, never a factor, 9th of 20, 36l behind Another Ambition (10-5) at Galway 2m 6f hcp chs gd in Jul.
