Very testing ground puts the chase events in doubt but the conditions shouldn't prove a problem for Far Away So Close and he looks certain to go well. Paul Nolan's useful hurdler will be returning from a long break and though slightly disappointing in his two starts after falling on his debut over fences he has the class to make a decent chaser. Noel Meade has already introduced some decent novices to fences this season and has another in the shape of Il Fenomeno, a Grade 3 winner over timber and placed at Grade 1 level. He's also won five times on the Flat and there's every chance he'll do very well over the bigger obstacles. MOUNT BENBULBEN, who beat Rebel Fitz in a Grade 2 over hurdles at Navan last November, makes his eagerly awaited debut over fences and is handed the vote in a race that should provide plenty of clues for the future. Boss Croaker, an improver over timber, has fitness on his side but faces some exciting prospects.
Baby Whizz (IRE) 20-1 (11-12) Rear of mid-division, no impression from 4 out, tailed off, 11th of 15, well behind Dazzling Susie (11-5) at Clonmel 2m beg chase gs in Jun.
Castle Anshan (IRE) 9-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, 4th 6 out, ridden and no extra before 3 out, 10th of 13, well behind Devil's Elbow (11-5) at Down Royal 2m 4f beg chase gf in May.
Dingaling (IRE) 5-1 (10-5) Waited with, progress to chase leaders approaching straight, 5th 3 out, moderate 6th and kept on same pace from before next, 6th of 12, 16l behind Caim Hill (10-13) at Bellewstown 2m 4f hcp hdl in Aug.
Far Away So Close (IRE) 11-10fav (11-12) Disputed early, chased leader from before 4th, led 2 out, challenged entering straight, ridden and headed run-in, no extra and kept on same pace, 2nd of 8, 1 1/4l behind Colbert Station (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 1f beg chase in Jan.
Il Fenomeno (ITY) 5-1 (11-7) Chased leader in 2nd, ridden 3 out, soon no extra and weakened, tailed off, last of 8, well behind Alderwood (11-7) at Fairyhouse 2m nov hdl G2 (1) gs in Apr.
Mount Benbulben (IRE) 11-1 (11-7) Mid-division, took keen hold, not fluent 3rd, headway 8th, weakened after 2 out, 7th of 20, 20l behind Brindisi Breeze (11-7) at Cheltenham 3m nov hdl Grade 1 (1) gd in Mar.
Take The Ban (IRE) 66-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, fell 5 out, in a race won by Sraid Padraig (11-12) at Limerick 2m 3f beg chs sft, 16 ran.
Whats On The Menu (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, well off pace, moderate 4th before straight, closed to challenge 2 out, soon no impression under pressure, kept on same pace, 4th of 9, 9l behind Perfect Smile (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 1f beg chs hvy in Dec.
Boss Croaker (IRE) 14-1 (10-5) Soon mid-division, closed travelling well straight, ridden to challenge around bypassed last, soon led and stayed on well, won at Cork 3m hcp hdl 80-109 gd in May beating Wellforth (11-8) by 2 1/2l, 22 ran.
Tales Of Milan (IRE) 14-1 (11-11) Always towards rear, fell last, in a race won by Sraid Padraig (11-12) at Limerick 2m 3f beg chs sft, 16 ran.
Kalico Kim (IRE) 9-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, no impression from 3 out, 8th of 18, 13l behind Realt Den Chathair (11-10) at Clonmel 3m Handicap Hurdle (80-109) (5yo+) gf in Sep.
Mrs Henderson 16-1 (10-12) Mid-division, 9th halfway, ridden and no impression before 2 out, kept on one pace, 6th of 13, 33l behind Flying Light (11-12) at Galway 2m mdn hdl sft in Sep.
