mid-division, ridden when hit 8th, behind from next
held up, mistake 10th, weakened next and mistake
in touch, took closer order 4 out, chased winner 3 out, ridden and weakened approaching last
behind from 9th, mistake 11th, never going well
held up, steady headway 11th, kept on to chase winner in vain approaching last
made all, going clear when hit 2 out, ridden out, comfortably
in touch, jumped right 2nd, reminders and lost place 7th, weakening and behind from 3 out
tracked winner until 3 out, weakened 2 out
tracked leaders, ridden after 4 out, mistake 3 out, plugged on
Nonrunner
Mossbank lost no caste in defeat when second to Denman in the Lexus Chase when last seen in December and Michael Hourigan's gelding has to be respected on that evidence over a trip that should suit but preference is for Our Vic who gets the vote over The Listener. The last mentioned has been a great servant to the Alners, three times winning in Grade 1 races including when successful in Leopardstown's Hennessy Gold Cup last month. The drop in trip is of little concern for the nine-year-old and any further rain would help the cause of the son of Roselier. David Pipe's Tamarinbleu is also declared for the Queen Mother so it will be interesting to see which contest he is sent for as both races are now on the same day but the two mile contest would seem the more likely event for him. Paddy Power winner L'Antartique has disappointed since that success and he looks best watched at present, while Turko has a bit to find with The Listener on Leopardstown running. Racing Demon has the ability to take a hand in the finish but has become frustrating and a safer bet looks to be Our Vic. David Pipe's gelding has his ideal trip and ground conditions today and that combination, plus the addition of blinkers for the first time, may make all the difference.
Billyvoddan (IRE) 20-1 (11-6) Held up, headway 12th, went 3rd after 15th, ridden after 4 out, one pace from next, 4th of 8, 16l behind Knowhere (11-4) at Cheltenham 3m 1f chs Grd 2 (1) gs in Jan.
Justified (IRE) 11-4 (11-10) Raced 4th, in touch when fell in race won by Ballistraw (11-3) at Gowran Park 2m 4f chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Feb, 5 ran.
Knight Legend (IRE) 6-1 (11-6) Attempted to make all, clear from 4th, ridden and reduced lead 2 out, strongly pressed approaching last, headed early run-in, kept on same pace, 2nd of 5, 3/4l behind Ballistraw (11-3) at Gowran Park 2m 4f chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Feb.
L'Antartique (FR) 12-1 (11-6) Held up, not fluent 3rd (water), reminders, losing touch when went left and hit 8th, went 4th flat, 4th of 6, 33l behind Master Minded (11-4) at Newbury 2m 1f chs Grd 2 (1) gs in Feb.
Mossbank (IRE) 16-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders on outer, improved into 3rd 3 out, close up 2 out, soon ridden to challenge, 2nd and no impression from last, 2nd of 6, 4l behind Denman (11-10) at Leopardstown 3m chs Grd 1 (1) gd in Dec.
Our Vic (IRE) 3-1jt-fav (11-10) With leader, raced wide, led soon after 3 out, ridden when not fluent last, soon headed, no extra, 2nd of 8, 6l behind Knowhere (11-4) at Cheltenham 3m 1f chs Grd 2 (1) gs in Jan.
Racing Demon (IRE) 15-2 (11-7) Held up in touch, under pressure 4 out, stayed on from last, never able to challenge, 3rd of 9, 8l behind Kauto Star (11-7) at Ascot 2m 5f chs Grd 1 (1) gd in Feb.
The Listener (IRE) 2-1fav (11-10) Made all, clear, jumped right throughout, asserted under pressure from last, won at Leopardstown 3m chs Grd 1 (1) gs in Feb beating Turko (11-10) by 6l, 8 ran.
Turko (FR) 13-2 (11-10) Tracked leader in 2nd, 3rd approaching straight, no impression under pressure and kept on same pace from last, 2nd of 8, 6l behind The Listener (11-10) at Leopardstown 3m chs Grd 1 (1) gs in Feb.
Newmill (IRE) 15-8fav (11-12) Tracked leader in 2nd, led briefly 5 out, 3rd and ridden 3 out, 4th and beaten when brought down 3 out in race won by Don't Be Bitin (11-4) at Punchestown 2m chs Grd 2 hvy in Feb, 7 ran.
Tamarinbleu (FR) 12-1 (11-7) Made all, soon clear, jumped left 8th, ridden approaching 2 out, ran on well, won at Ascot 2m 1f chs Grd 1 (1) sft in Jan beating Twist Magic (11-7) by 12l, 6 ran.
