tracked leader in 2nd, not fluent at 1st and 2nd, took closer order at 9th, ridden before last where bad mistake and pecked, kept on same pace
made all, increased advantage after 2nd, reduced lead after 3rd, ridden before last, left clear run-in, kept on strongly, eased close home
raced 3rd, not fluent at 8th, took closer order at 10th, pushed along before 2 out, no impression on leaders in moderate 3rd before last, kept on same pace
rear, detached before 2nd, 5th at 6th, progress in 4th after 10th, pushed along before 2 out where not fluent, no impression on leaders in moderate 4th before last, one paced run-in
towards rear, 4th at 6th, slightly detached at 10th where slight mistake, soon dropped to rear, detached after 3 out, no extra after 2 out
Willie Mullins fires a double salvo at this Grade 3 prize with Authorized Art, winner of his last two chases in decisive fashion, looking the likelier of the pair by some way. He's taken very well to his new discipline and is deserving of this rise in class. He should go close but faces a useful adversary in ASH TREE MEADOW who may offer a touch of value. Gordon Ellott's gelding rattled up a summer hat-trick before coming home a fine fourth in the Galway Plate - an excellent effort for a novice. Max Flamingo struggled in the Mayo National but has plenty of experience over fences, will appreciate the return to novice company and looks best of the remaining trio.
Ash Tree Meadow (FR) 10-1 (10-10) Mid-division, 7th halfway, closer after 5 out, disputed 4 out, 2nd after 3 out, ridden to press leader approaching straight and hampered by loose horse, under pressure in 4th over 1f out and rider lost whip, kept on same pace, 4th of 21, 7l behind Hewick (11-7) at Galway 2m 7f hcp gd in Jul.
Authorized Art (FR) 6-4fav (11-6) Made all, not fluent 7th, went clear from 3 out and kept on well run-in, easily, won at Killarney 2m 4f Good - Yielding in Aug beating Call Me Lyreen (11-10) by 11l, 5 ran.
Max Flamingo (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Rear of mid-division, dropped to 12th after 7th, effort after 9th, dropped to rear and slightly hampered after 3 out, weakened and pulled up before 2 out, at Ballinrobe 2m 7f hcp Good - Yielding in May.
Il Courra (IRE) 15-2 (11-5) Rear of mid-division, 7th 3 out, went 5th next, soon ridden, 2nd before last, led at last, stayed on well run-in, won at Kilbeggan 2m 3f hcp gd in Sep beating Arrycan (11-2) by 3l, 10 ran.
Rambranlt'jac (FR) 13-2 (11-7) Soon in rear, 4th after 6th, took closer order after 3 out, improved to 3rd before 2 out, ridden into 2nd closing stages, kept on, not trouble winner, 2nd of 4, 3 3/4l behind Tullybeg (11-7) at Wexford 2m 4f Yielding in Sep.
