tracked leaders, 5th halfway, pushed along and no impression before 2 out, no extra approaching last, weakened
made all, travelling well and asserted approaching last, ridden and kept on well run-in
tracked leaders, 4th halfway, slight mistake 8th, pushed along and went 2nd before last, ridden and no impression on winner run-in
in rear, pushed along after 2 out, ridden and no impression early straight, kept on one pace run-in
tracked leader, 2nd halfway, pushed along after 3 out, ridden and dropped to 4th approaching last, no impression run-in, kept on one pace
tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, mistake 2 out, ridden and some headway before last, no impression run-in, kept on one pace
Mall Dini, a smart hurdler on his day, hasn't hit the heights over fences and is the only entry not from the Mullins/Elliott yards. The former is represented by three very useful performers though Arbre De Vie has been a bit disappointing since beating Shaneshill at Galway in August. Invitation Only did very well in bumpers and over timber and, after an early fall on his chasing debut, gained an impressive victory at Navan. KOSHARI was returning from over a year off and making his debut over fences when gaining a very easy victory at Thurles where he wasn't all that fluent at times. The fences here are much stiffer but he looks an exciting prospect. Elliott's trio are headed by Dounikos, who has a penalty for his Grade 2 victory at Limerick where he wouldn't have won but for being left in the lead at the last. He had some useful performers behind and is a very progressive chaser who should go well despite the extra. His stable companion Mossback was a 33/1 chance on his chasing bow at Naas but defied his odds to beat what looked a very strong field of novices and runner-up Snow Falcon has subsequently won very easily. The Storyteller also looked a very bright prospect when making a successful chasing debut at Fairyhouse with two subsequent winners following him home.
Arbre De Vie (FR) 10-1 (11-4) Towards rear early, closer in 4th from halfway, ridden from 2 out and no impression when left 3rd at last, kept on same pace run-in, 3rd of 6, 9l behind Dounikos (11-4) at Limerick 2m 4f (1) hvy in Dec.
Invitation Only (IRE) 2-1 (11-12) Made all, jumped well, pushed along and pressed 2 out, stayed on well under hands and heels run-in, comfortably, won at Navan 2m 4f sft in Dec beating Any Second Now (11-12) by 4 1/4l, 7 ran.
Koshari (FR) 8-11fav (11-12) Disputed early, slight mistake at 5th, led narrowly at 7th, travelled well and asserted before 2 out, kept on well, eased run-in, easily, won at Thurles 2m 2f hvy in Dec beating Veneziano Springs (11-12) by 15l, 9 ran.
Mall Dini (IRE) 9-1 (11-8) Waited with towards rear, 12th at halfway, headway to chase leaders straight, kept on same pace from after 2 out, 4th of 14, 20 3/4l behind Presenting Percy (11-10) at Fairyhouse 3m 5f hcp sft in Dec.
Mossback (IRE) 33-1 (11-12) Led early, headed 2nd, moderate 3rd 5 out, closer 3rd 2 out, ridden to lead before last, stayed on well run-in, won at Naas 2m 3f Soft - Heavy in Nov beating Snow Falcon (11-12) by 3l, 12 ran.
The Storyteller (IRE) 11-4 (11-12) Tracked leaders in 4th, went 3rd at 9th, close 3rd travelling well 2 out, switched left and challenged approaching last, led at last, pushed along early run-in, stayed on well, comfortably, won at Fairyhouse 2m 5f sft in Dec beating Sutton Manor (11-12) by 4 3/4l, 7 ran.
Dounikos (FR) 14-1 (11-4) Towards rear and 5th halfway, improved into closer 3rd from 2 out, went 2nd before last and soon left in lead, kept on well under pressure run-in, won at Limerick 2m 4f (1) hvy in Dec beating Tombstone (11-7) by 4 1/2l, 6 ran.
