Several of these are progressing nicely and though ORIGINAL OPTION has very little experience there are reasons to suggest he can take this, not least an eye-catching debut over timber in what looked a strong maiden at Tipperary. Gala Dancer looked certain to be suited by further when drawing clear in the closing stages over 2m2f at Fairyhouse and it will be a surprise if he isn't involved. Smokey Joe Joe receives weight all round and as the youngest in the line-up is very much one to keep an eye on. Tango Knight has been competing with credit in decent grade and is another to note in what should be an informative contest.
Gala Dancer (IRE) 10-11fav (11-4) Soon chased leaders, led approaching 3 out and soon clear, reduced lead next, stayed on well under pressure run-in to draw clear closing stages, won at Fairyhouse 2m 2f mdn hdl gf beating Moscow Storm (11-4) by 8l, 13 ran.
Tango Knight (IRE) 16-1 (11-6) Held up towards rear, 9th halfway, closer in 7th 5 out, ridden into 6th before 2 out, 5th and under pressure when fell 2 out, in a race won by Macville (11-4) at Limerick 2m 5f lst nov hdl (4yo+) (1) gd, 10 ran.
Tough Talkin Man (IRE) 7-1 (11-4) Mid-division, closed after 3 out, 2nd before straight, led 2 out, pressed and stayed on well run-in, won at Roscommon 2m 4f mdn hdl in Sep beating Pops Rocket (11-4) by 1 1/4l, 18 ran.
Margie's Man (IRE) 20-1 (10-13) Towards rear, closer in moderate 9th 3 out, ridden in moderate 7th 2 out, kept on without threatening, 4th of 13, 34l behind Gala Dancer (11-4) at Fairyhouse 2m 2f mdn hdl gf.
Moon Over Moscow (IRE) 33-1 (10-13) Always prominent, keen hold early, left 2nd under pressure from 2 out, stayed on best run-in to lead near finish, won at Fairyhouse 2m 2f mares mdn hdl gf beating Burton Girl (10-13) by 1/2l, 14 ran.
Original Option (IRE) 11-2 (11-12) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, headway to dispute after 3 out, ridden in 2nd 2 out, no extra in 3rd approaching last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 20, 14l behind Hidden Cyclone (11-12) at Tipperary 2m mdn hdl.
Smokey Joe Joe (IRE) 10-1 (11-3) Chased leader, moderate 3rd halfway, closer in 2nd approaching 3 out, led after next, soon sent clear, mistake last, stayed on well, won at Gowran Park 2m 4yo mdn hdl beating Blue Ridge Lane (11-5) by 9l, 20 ran.
Forever Man (IRE) 20-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, weakened before 4 out, tailed off, 20th of 25, well behind Cottage Oak (11-12) at Punchestown 2m 4f mdn hdl gd in May.
