Paul Townend has chosen Drury over Rebel Og despite his mount looking ideally suited by 2m5f at Punchestown when winning very easily. The latter made all over this track and trip in October, when Flicker Flame was four lengths back in second, though both will need to step up against this better opposition. JEREMYS FLAME is the form pick on her close second in a Newbury Listed contest and her previous run in a Down Royal Grade 3. She easily holds Heaven Help Us on that former run and should have the legs of these.
Botani (IRE) 12-1 (10-9) In rear and well off pace, closed from over 6f out, effort from over 2f out, soon one pace under pressure, 5th of 6, 10 3/4l behind Jaime Sommers (10-9) at Tramore 2m mdn gd in Aug.
Drury (IRE) 9-2 (11-5) Disputed lead early, headed at 2nd, 4th 3 out, headway to lead before 2 out, travelling well and clear entering straight, pushed along before last, stayed on well, easily, won at Punchestown 2m 6f mdn sft in Nov beating Minella Encore (11-12) by 16l, 15 ran.
Flicker Flame (IRE) Evensfav (11-7) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, 2nd after 3 out, improved to dispute entering straight, ridden before last, headed last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 18, 5l behind Mrs Milner (10-13) at Thurles 2m mdn Yielding - Soft in Nov.
Fort Worth Texas (IRE) 4-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, slight mistake 6th, 4th halfway, ridden after 3 out, no impression in 6th before 2 out, soon no extra, 6th of 13, 32 3/4l behind Ard Abhainn (11-7) at Clonmel 2m 4f mdn sft in Oct.
Heaven Help Us (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Held up in 5th, headway approaching 3 out, no extra in 4th when mistake last, 4th of 8, 12l behind Floressa (11-0) at Newbury 2m lst (1) gs in Nov.
Jeremys Flame (IRE) 5-1 (11-0) Raced keenly in last pair, steady headway 4 out, soon chasing leaders, close 3rd approaching 2 out, ridden and went 2nd run-in, one pace, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Floressa (11-0) at Newbury 2m lst (1) gs in Nov.
Mystery Stowaway (IRE) 40-1 (10-7) Held up in rear, headway after 4 out and went 2nd 2 out, pushed along and no impression in 3rd before last, no extra run-in, 3rd of 6, 7l behind Elfile (11-7) at Thurles 2m sft in Nov.
Rebel Og (IRE) Evensfav (11-7) Made all, 4 lengths lead halfway, travelled well when slight mistake 2 out, pressed briefly between final 2, pushed out and kept on well run-in, easily, won at Thurles 2m mdn Good - Yielding in Oct beating Flicker Flame (11-7) by 4 1/2l, 17 ran.
Sailingtobyzantium (IRE) 25-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, 6th halfway, 4th 4 out, headway to lead early straight, not fluent and headed 2 out, pushed along and led again last, kept on well run-in, won at Clonmel 2m 3f mdn sft in Dec beating Arahecan (11-4) by 3/4l, 17 ran.
