tracked leader, 2nd halfway, slight mistake last, ridden in 3rd entering straight, no impression 1f out, kept on one pace
ran 3rd, slight mistake 5th, slight mistakes 4 out and next, went 2nd after last, ridden to challenge 1f out, kept on under pressure to lead close home
led, 3 lengths clear halfway, pushed along after last and strongly pressed final furlong, kept on under pressure, headed close home
always rear, never a factor, no impression approaching 2 out, no extra after last
MONKSLAND won three Grade 2 races over hurdles but couldn't quite manage a victory at the highest level. He began his chasing career with a victory at Gowran then finished in the places in three Grade 1 contests, including when runner-up to Outlander at Leopardstown in February. He didn't run in the championship events later and that should see him begin this campaign fresh and ready to make a winning start. Marinero has a fitness advantage and though he was gaining his first chasing success at the seventh time of asking at Downpatrick the useful hurdler looks a smart prospect over the bigger obstacles. Captain Von Trappe easily beat The Winkler over this course and distance a year ago and has been highly tried subsequently. He's better than his form figures suggest and should be winning again soon but Mic Milano looks outclassed.
Captain Von Trappe (IRE) 14-1 (10-8) Soon mid-division, towards rear halfway, ridden after 5 out, stayed on into 6th entering straight, no impression 2 out, kept on one pace, 5th of 15, 13 3/4l behind Pleasant Company (11-1) at Punchestown 3m 1f hcp Good - Yielding in Apr.
Monksland (IRE) 6-1 (11-10) Soon raced in 4th, not fluent 5th, 3rd at 9th, slight mistakes 10th and 3 out, pushed along to go moderate 3rd approaching straight, no impression and hit last, 2nd and kept on well closing stages, 2nd of 6, 2 3/4l behind Outlander (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m 5f (1) Soft - Heavy in Feb.
Marinero (IRE) 4-6fav (11-12) Led and disputed early, headed after 2nd, regained lead after 3rd, jumped well throughout, stretched clear after last, easily, won at Downpatrick 2m 7f gd in Sep beating Taglietelle (11-12) by 10l, 5 ran.
Mic Milano (IRE) 7-1 (11-6) Tracked leaders in 3rd, 4th at 3rd, not fluent 5th and big jump next, disputing moderate 3rd 2 out, soon ridden, moderate 3rd at last, no impression, 3rd of 5, 16l behind Sizing Coal (11-12) at Sligo 3m hvy in Sep.
