Topaz Novice Chase (Grade 1) 3m

Verdict

Grade 1 winning hurdler MORNING ASSEMBLY has really taken to fences and could go all the way to the top judging by his defeat of the well regarded Don Cossack in a Grade 2 at Punchestown. There's much more to come and he'll take some beating. Bright New Dawn did very well over hurdles landing a Grade 2 at Thurles in February and made a very pleasing debut over fences at Punchestown when conceding the useful Dogora 12lb. He's a smart prospect and won't go down without a fight. Carlingford Lough wasn't beaten far by Don Cossack at Fairyhouse and the Galway Plate winner will ensure a strong test of stamina while none of the remaining quartet can be discounted in what should prove to be an informative contest.

Carlingford Lough (IRE) 4-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, 5th halfway, ridden approaching 3 out, progress to lead after 2 out, challenged last and soon headed, kept on one pace under pressure, 2nd of 6, 1 3/4l behind Don Cossack (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f nov chs Grade 1 (4yo+) (1).

Morning Assembly (IRE) 6-4 (11-3) Always prominent and disputed lead, led briefly 3 out, pushed along and headed next, ridden and rallied approaching last, led run-in and kept on well under pressure, won at Punchestown 2m 6f nov chs G2 (1) in Nov beating Don Cossack (11-3) by 1/2l, 4 ran.

Foxrock (IRE) 5-4fav (11-11) Tracked leaders, pushed along in 4th after 3 out, headway after 2 out, led approaching last and ridden, not fluent at last and joined, rallied run-in to lead inside final furlong, kept on, won at Fairyhouse 2m 5f beg chs in Nov beating Touch The Eden (11-12) by 3/4l, 17 ran.

My Murphy (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Soon chased leaders, improved to be on terms before straight, led approaching last where headed, regained lead and stayed on well run-in, won at Fairyhouse 3m beg chs sft beating Followmeuptocarlow (11-12) by 3l, 12 ran.

Bright New Dawn (IRE) 5-4fav (11-12) Made all, pressed approaching 2 out, asserted before last, ridden after last and strongly pressed again run-in, all out, won at Punchestown 2m 4f beg chs beating Dogora (11-0) by 1/2l, 12 ran.

Mad Brian (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway into 6th 3 out, ridden and went 2nd next, disputed lead briefly at last, kept on well in 2nd run-in, 2nd of 20, 1/2l behind Cootamundra (10-2) at Navan 3m hcp chs 0-150 in Nov.

Sizing Rio (IRE) 3-1 (11-10) Tracked leader and led 3rd, headed 6th and remained prominent, dropped to 5th 3 out and ridden entering straight, no impression in 4th after next, 4th of 6, 12l behind Don Cossack (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f nov chs Grade 1 (4yo+) (1).

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Topaz Novice Chase (Grade 1) 3m