This represents very useful form, rather than better, by novice chase standards though the first 2 remain decent contenders for the NH Chase at Cheltenham, usually the weakest of the novice chases. The pace was a bit on the steady side, on ground that was predominantly “good to soft” judged on times, and the form should be viewed in that context.
CHURCHSTONEWARRIOR (c147 here and previously) ran at least as well as when beaten by Gaillard du Mesnil at Leopardstown the time before, a bit speedier here than his main rival when it mattered, close up and improving again to lead after 3 out, awkward at the next and toughing it out well thereafter. He should not be far away in the NH Chase unless it proves to be stronger than usual.
MAHLER MISSION (c146 here and previously) was well backed but came up just short, likely to run at least as well at a marathon distance, such as in the NH Chase, but lacking a change of gear when it mattered here. He made much of the running, jumping well, but was headed after 3 out and soon under pressure, alongsides when not fluent at the last and staying on. He did not lose much standing in defeat here.
FLANKING MANEUVER (c146 here, unraced over fences previously) ran a tremendous race after 760 days off, his prospects clearly dependent on how he takes this but potentially very useful if all is well. He was patiently ridden and moved into third going best 2 out, was shaken up going to the last and ridden more vigorously on the run-in, closing at the finish but not quite getting there. He had last been seen finishing fourth to Bob Olinger in a Grade 1 novice hurdle at Naas, and this was his first attempt beyond 20f.
MUST BE OBEYED (c127 here, 136 previously) ran a bit better than the result against superior rivals, close up until weakening after 3 out.
AARONS DAY (c109 here, 134 previously) does not win often these days and found little for an ultimately poor effort.
FRONTAL ASSAULT (c101 here, 139 previously) was in trouble some way out and possibly not quite over what was a good effort in testing conditions the time before.
GLENGOULY (c0 here, 134 previously) is one of the stable’s lesser lights but should have fared better than this even so.
WALKING ON GLASS (c0 here, 132 previously)
DARRENS HOPE (c0 here, 134 previously)
