tracked leaders, weakened from 4 out
raced 2nd, disputed lead from before 4 out, ridden and headed entering straight, 3rd at last, no impression on winner and went 2nd run-in
mid-division, moderate 9th 4 out, no impression
always towards rear
tracked leaders, moderate 4th 3 out, closed on leaders before straight, pushed along in 3rd after 2 out, led last, kept on under pressure run-in
towards rear, some modest progress from 4 out, moderate 5th 2 out, kept on without threatening
led, joined before 4 out, ridden and led again entering straight, strongly pressed from 2 out, strongly pressed and almost joined when bad mistake last, no extra and dropped to 3rd run-in
mid-division, moderate 7th 4 out, kept on same pace from next, mistake last
tracked leaders, moderate 5th 4 out, ridden in moderate 4th entering straight, no impression
mid-division, moderate 6th 4 out, ridden and no impression from next
tracked leaders, moderate 4th 4 out, soon ridden and weakened quickly
This is more competitive than the first division with plenty in with chances including Golanbrook, whose second to Mount Benbulben on his hurdling debut was a very good effort. Mississippi River's close second to Rebel Fitz in September is the best form on view here and he's another with claims while Pride Of The Artic found 2m4f just too far here last time. Simenon was a useful performer on the Flat for Andrew Balding and can make a decent hurdler under the care of Willie Mullins. He's an obvious contender but another hurdling newcomer, ZERASHAN, looks the one to be on as he was a Listed class performer for Mick Halford with a close third to Bob Le Beau at Limerick the highlight of his summer efforts.
Churchfield Champ (IRE) 40-1 (11-4) Towards rear for most, never a factor, tailed off, 12th of 14, well behind My Murphy (11-4) at Wexford 2m 2f mdn hdl sft in Oct.
Definite Knockoff (IRE) 22-1 (11-4) Fell 1st, in a race won by Benny's Fagartha (10-9) at Down Royal 2m mdn hdl sft in Nov, 13 ran.
Golanbrook (IRE) 2-1 (11-12) Prominent, 3rd halfway, soon driven along and dropped to 5th, some headway to go 3rd approaching straight, no impression on winner from before last, kept on one pace to go 2nd run-in, 2nd of 10, 7l behind Lord Windermere (11-4) at Thurles 2m 5yo mdn hdl sft in Nov.
Hume Tower (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) Mid-division, remote 6th 3 out, soon no impression on leaders, kept on without threatening into 3rd from last, 3rd of 13, 8l behind Whatwillwecallher (11-5) at Limerick 2m 5f mdn hdl sft in Nov.
Kickhamstown (IRE) 2-1 (12-0) Mid div, 8th when hmprd 6out, 6th & btn up well bef 4out, remote 7th when pu bef 4out, in a race won by Rocky Top (12-0) at Kildorrery 3m ire ptp hvy in Feb, 12 ran.
Masdar (IRE) 4-1 (11-10) Chased leader, moderate 2nd halfway, closed 6f out, 3rd 4f out, ridden in 4th 2f out, under pressure in 3rd 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 11, 2l behind Rebel Fitz (12-0) at Galway 2m N H flat gd in Oct '10.
Mississippi River (IRE) 6-4fav (11-12) Soon mid-division, closed 3 out, 3rd before straight, challenged and disputed lead from 2 out, held head high and not match winner run-in, headed closing stages, 2nd of 16, nk behind Casa Jove (11-4) at Clonmel 2m mdn hdl sft in Oct.
Murchu (IRE) 10-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, moderate 5th over 5f out, no extra 3f out, virtually pulled up closing stages, completely tailed off, last of 7, well behind Bridgets Pet (11-3) at Galway 2m N H flat hvy in Oct.
Pride Of The Artic (IRE) 5-1 (11-7) Mid-division, 8th halfway, headway into 5th 3 out, ridden and no extra before 2 out, kept on one pace, 7th of 16, 35l behind Texas Jack (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f mdn hdl gd in Oct.
Jack The Ref (IRE) 25-1 (10-13) Towards rear, fell 4 out, in a race won by Tackmaster (11-4) at Wexford 2m mdn hdl sft in Nov, 15 ran.
Merrydown Vintage (IRE) 33-1 (11-3) Rear of mid-division, no extra from 3 out, 9th of 17, 22l behind Ipsos Du Berlais (11-12) at Down Royal 2m 6f mdn hdl sft in Nov.
Present Potential (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, 5th halfway, no extra after 3 out, 12th of 22, well behind Sword Of Destiny (11-12) at Punchestown 2m 4f mdn hdl in Oct.
Simenon (IRE) 12-1 (9-1) Tracked leader, ridden and lost place over 1f out, soon weakened, 14th of 19, 31l behind Tominator (8-5) at Newcastle 2m hcp (2) gs in Jun (flat).
Zerashan (IRE) 9-2 (9-9) Tracked leader in 2nd, pushed along approaching straight, 3rd 2f out, ridden and no extra from 1f out, 6th of 7, 6l behind Sense Of Purpose (9-6) at Leopardstown 1m 6f Listed stks (1) gd in Jul (flat).
Belle Noverre (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) In rear, 5th 3 out, no impression from after next, 5th of 6, 29l behind Leah Claire (10-7) at Wexford 2m mrs nov hdl sft in Nov.
Smokey Thatch (IRE) 50-1 (11-5) Mid-division, no threat from 3 out, 14th of 25, well behind Formidableopponent (11-9) at Navan 2m mdn hdl sft in Nov.
Massyoun (FR) 25-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, 6th halfway, headway into 3rd 3 out, ridden and no extra approaching 2 out, weakened, 14th of 20, 34l behind Bagber (11-12) at Gowran Park 2m mdn hdl hvy in Mar.
Charming Ways (IRE) 6-1 (11-7) Mid div til not qckn 3out, sn rr, 6th of 12, 27l behind Charlie's Vic (11-7) at Necarne 3m ire ptp gd in May.
Sarsfield's Ride 16-1 (11-5) Mid-division, weakened from 4 out, 13th of 18, 29l behind Jenari (11-7) at Limerick 2m cond mdn hdl sft in Nov.
