Expert Analysis

The most testing conditions were reserved for the hurdles course on a track that is a candidate to be considered the Irish equivalent of Ffos Las (in terms of the depth of the going at times), but this still tested stamina reasonably despite the pace not being all that exacting to begin with. The winners since this was elevated to Grade 1 Status after 2017 have been very useful or better and this year is unlikely to buck that trend.

GERRI COLOMBE (c153 here, 143+ previously) could go a long way in this game, unbeaten in bumpers, hurdles and chases now, and showing a good attitude to go with some largely precise jumping. He raced close up, disputing the lead mid-race and going on for sure before 2 out, fiddling the last (about his only mistake) but responding immediately to make things safe. A return to around 3m should be on the cards at some stage.    

ADAMANTLY CHOSEN (c149 here, 142 previously) had taken the scalp of Visionarian earlier in the season – form that looked better after that one’s bold showing at Leopardstown 20 minutes earlier – and ran as well as he ever has in either jumping code, held up to get the trip and not really asked until between the last 2, less than fluent at the final fence then one paced.  

KILCRUIT (c147 here, 133+ previously) seemed to be beaten on merit, no excuses needed for a very useful effort on just his second start over larger obstacles, held up and working back into contention between the last 2 then one paced.

AUTHORIZED ART (c146 here, 147 previously) is finding things tougher than when bossing lesser rivals in late-summer and early-autumn, running creditably all the same in dictating matters and on the bridle for a long way, no extra from approaching the last. 

AARONS DAY (c125 here and previously) faced a stiff task and was not discredited though left behind late in the day (raced a bit wide).