tracked leaders, ran freely, 5th halfway, progress into 2nd after 2 out, ridden before last and kept on one pace run-in, not reach winner
led, headed 3 out, soon pushed along and dropped to 7th before next, eased, tailed off
towards rear, 7th halfway, some progress approaching straight, no impression in 6th 2 out, no extra before last
tracked leader, 2nd halfway, led 3 out, pushed along after next and 1 length lead last, kept on well run-in
tracked leader, 3rd halfway, pushed along and lost place approaching straight, no extra in 8th before 2 out, behind and pulled up before last
tracked leaders, 4th halfway, progress 3 out and 2nd entering straight, ridden and no impression in 3rd approaching last, no extra run-in
mid-division, 6th halfway, no impression in 4th 2 out, soon pushed along and no extra approaching last
chased leaders, 8th halfway, in rear approaching 3 out and no extra in straight, tailed off
held up in rear, ran freely, 9th halfway, some progress approaching straight, slight mistake in 5th 2 out, soon no extra
Wooly Tom won this in 2014 but has been in poor form over fences in recent starts. Mick Thonic, who won over hurdles at Vichy in 2013, was having his first start subsequently and making his debut for new connections when running well for a long way over 2m4f at Punchestown last month. Lofgren makes his handicap debut after a very good run behind the long odds-on Petit Mouchir at Thurles which didn't do his rating much good. Good As Gold is a consistent performer at this level who will enjoy the conditions and should get into the frame though BLAZING WEST can complete a hat-trick. She gained her first victory over hurdles on her twelfth start at Thurles in November then followed up in a handicap on very testing ground over this track and trip last month. She's only 5lb higher and this looks another good opportunity. Arise And Go Now ran very well in a maiden over 2m4f at this fixture a year ago but only had one subsequent run later in the month.
Mick Thonic (FR) 25-1 (11-12) Held up, a little keen, soon raced in 6th, closer order before 7th, no impression from before 2 out, not fluent last, no extra, 4th of 7, 25 1/4l behind Thomas Hobson (11-8) at Punchestown 2m 4f sft in Dec.
Lofgren 7-1 (11-2) Led, headed 4th and 3rd halfway, pushed along 2 out and went 2nd last, no impression on easy winner run-in, kept on one pace, 2nd of 18, 3l behind Petit Mouchoir (11-7) at Thurles 2m mdn sft in Nov.
Ranjaan (FR) 66-1 (10-8) In rear, slight mistake 1st, pushed along from 3 out, some headway under pressure before straight, soon no extra,, 11th of 15, 29l behind Blue Hell (10-12) at Fairyhouse 2m hcp Soft - Heavy in Nov.
Good As Gold 20-1 (10-2) Tracked leaders, pushed along in 5th before straight, no extra approaching last,, 6th of 15, 19 1/2l behind Blue Hell (10-12) at Fairyhouse 2m hcp Soft - Heavy in Nov.
Wooly Tom (IRE) 50-1 (11-12) Led, disputed from 3rd, headed 5th and soon 3rd, slight mistake 3 out, soon ridden in 4th, no impression 2 out, soon no extra, lost 4th run-in, 5th of 11, dist behind Killultagh Vic (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m hvy in Dec.
Blazing West (IRE) 11-4fav (11-7) Chased leader in 2nd, slight mistakes 2nd, 3rd and 5th, challenged entering straight, ridden to dispute before 2 out, led after 2 out, strongly pressed before last where disputed, kept on best run-in to assert closing stages, won at Fairyhouse 2m hcp hvy in Dec beating Exit Seven (10-3) by 3/4l, 11 ran.
Arise And Go Now (IRE) 3-1fav (10-13) Held up, 12th at 5th where not fluent, headway 9th, 7th approaching straight, soon no impression, one pace, 9th of 16, 27l behind Aunt Nora (10-13) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f mdn Soft - Heavy in Jan.
Acapulco Gold (IRE) 33-1 (11-3) Always towards rear, ridden and no impression after 3 out, weakened entering straight, 17th of 22, dist behind De Benno (10-4) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f hcp sft in Nov.
Jeremy's Jet (IRE) 16-1 (9-5) In rear, some modest progress 2f out, reminder 1 1/2f out, hands and heels thereafter, 8th of 13, 15 3/4l behind Van Schaick (9-6) at Curragh 1m 2f hcp gd in Oct.
Fiosrach (IRE) 10-1 (10-1) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, led 4 out, headed after next and dropped to 5th before 2 out, no extra, 6th of 9, 20 1/4l behind Desoto County (10-10) at Thurles 2m hcp Soft - Heavy in Dec.
