THURLES 14:50

Non Runners: NAMBOUR (GER). Fences: 12.

Time: 5m 42.2s Closing Sectional: (3.75f): 56.3s (114%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 107%, Betfair SP 100.6%

Steadily-run and not a vintage renewal of this well-established Grade 3-event, certainly in relation to 2017 running which saw the subsequent Gold Cup-winning Sizing John get the better of Sub Lieutenant, Don Cossack also having won here in both 2015 and 2016, but A Toi Phil is a proven performer at this level, likely to have won even without the late jumping errors made by his 2 main rivals.

A TOI PHIL (FR) bounced back to his best to add to his tally of wins in lesser graded company; waited with, travelled well, went second 5 out, led between last 2, kept up to work; a very smart performer who will continue to give a good account, he holds entries for both the Champion Chase and Ryanair Chase though his best chances of further success will be when kept away from the very highest level.

AMERICAN TOM (FR) shaped like a non-stayer upped in trip after a further 11 weeks off, also still room for improvement in his jumping; raced clear, jumped left at times, reduced advantage when not fluent sixth, blundered 5 out, briefly hung left approaching home turn, hit 2 out, headed soon after, no extra; may prove best at shorter than 2½m.

WOODLAND OPERA (IRE) faced a stiff task on these terms but nevertheless again ran below form; chased clear leader, still in contention when hit 3 out, not fluent next, brushed aside before last.

ARCTIC SKIPPER (IRE) in first-time tongue strap, finished well held though might have needed the run after 13 months off; chased clear leader, took keen hold, already fourth when mistake seventh, left behind before 3 out.