chased leader, ridden after 2 out, no impression on winner, kept on same pace
made all, 5-lengths clear for most, asserted entering straight, pushed out and kept on well run-in, comfortably
Baby Jake scored twice over hurdles this summer but has a mountain to climb on official ratings with his two rivals. Identity Thief won a bumper and a maiden hurdle late last year before failing at Grade 1 level but redeemed himself when runner-up in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse. He didn't appear to quite last home over 2m4f here in April though the pair that beat him are useful. MODEM could hardly be in better shape having won twice on the Flat this summer, including a very tough handicap at Galway, and over hurdles at Listowel last month. He is progressing fast and the 2lb he receives from his main rival could prove crucial.
Baby Jake (IRE) 9-1 (11-6) Held up 3rd, pushed along in 5th 2 out, 6th at last, no extra, 8th of 12, 17 1/2l behind Colla Pier (10-10) at Fairyhouse 2m hcp gd in Oct.
Modem 9-10fav (11-8) Raced 2nd, closer in 2nd halfway, 3rd after 4 out, improved to 2nd 2 out, on terms at last, soon led run-in, ridden out, won at Listowel 2m sft in Sep beating Cardinal Palace (11-8) by 1/2l, 4 ran.
Identity Thief (IRE) 7-4fav (11-12) Chased leaders, 6th halfway, progress into 3rd before 3 out, slight mistake 3 out, challenged next and soon led, travelled well entering straight, ridden before last, headed approaching last, no extra in 3rd run-in, kept on same pace, 3rd of 13, 8 3/4l behind Walk To Freedom (11-12) at Punchestown 2m 4f Good - Yielding in Apr.
