led, disputed 6th, headed before 6 out, 3rd and slight mistake 5 out, ridden along in 4th after 4 out, stayed on to challenge again before straight, no extra in 4th before 2 out, kept on one pace
chased leaders, close up and slight mistake 6th, soon disputed, 2nd 6 out, ridden in 3rd before straight, no extra before 2 out
settled mid-division, 6th halfway, dropped to rear 5 out, no impression next and soon trailing
settled mid-division, 5th halfway, progress into 3rd and mistake 4 out, 4th before straight, ridden into 3rd before 2 out, 2nd before last, no chance with winner, kept on same pace
held up in rear, 6th 5 out, closer in 5th before straight, ridden into 2nd before 2 out, under pressure when bad mistake 2 out, dropped to 3rd before last, no extra and kept on one pace
chased leaders, 4th halfway, slightly bumped 4 out, ridden in 6th and no impression after 3 out, kept on one pace
chased leaders and ran freely early, mistake 2nd, close up from 4th, improved to dispute and slight mistake 6th, led 6 out, challenged before straight, ridden approaching 2 out, clear after 2 out, kept on strongly, comfortably
Sizing Europe won this in 2012 and his eighth Grade 1 when landing the Champion Chase at Punchestown after which it was thought he was heading into retirement. However, he returned to catch long time leader Road To Riches on the line at Gowran last month and the runner-up went on to land the JNWine.com at Down Royal in such impressive fashion that the Gold Cup is now on the agenda. Henry De Bromhead's wonderful servant is approaching his 13th birthday but this is his trip and ground and he'll take some beating. Realt Mor, a Grade 1 winner at Fairyhouse in March of last year, was having his first start in a year when falling while in touch in the JNWine and, if none the worse, should have come on for the run. Rubi Light was only two lengths behind Sizing Europe in a Gowran Grade 2 just over a year ago and wasn't far behind him at Leopardstown earlier. He hasn't really made the expected progress but those two runs would suggest he could pose a threat. CHAMPAGNE FEVER's return to action has been greatly anticipated and he's in all the forthcoming major races. The 2013 Supreme Novice Hurdle winner almost followed up at this year's Festival in the Arkle but found the 33/1 chance Western Warhorse too quick over a trip that looks certain to prove too short. He was nowhere near his best when disappointing in the Ryanair at Punchestown and it's very unlikely we'll see him over the minimum trip again. The 11lb he receives from the veteran should be enough to swing things his way. Roi Du Mee beat Sizing Europe 13 lengths in last year's JNWine but the latter doesn't stay 3m as we've seen often enough, while Alderwood hasn't made the expected progress since last year's Grand Annual victory. Rathlin doesn't have much to find on official figures and wasn't disgraced when pitched into the highest grade last season.
Roi Du Mee (FR) 11-2 (11-10) Tracked leader, slow jump 2nd, on terms from 3rd, jumped slightly left at times, slight mistake 7 out and headed, not fluent next 2 either and last 5 out, pushed along from next, behind from 3 out, soon eased, last of 4, well behind Don Cossack (11-10) at Punchestown 2m 7f chs Grade 3 (1) gf in Oct.
Sizing Europe (IRE) 9-4 (11-10) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 4 out, soon pushed along, under pressure and plenty to do in 2nd 2 out, pressed winner and good jump last, stayed on well to lead near line, won at Gowran Park 2m 4f chs Grd 2 (1) in Oct beating Road To Riches (11-6) by hd, 6 ran.
Rathlin 16-1 (11-10) With leader, led 6th, hard pressed 3 out, soon ridden, headed between last 2, one pace before last, 5th of 10, 8l behind Boston Bob (11-10) at Aintree 2m 4f chs G1 (1) gd in Apr.
Alderwood (IRE) 7-4 (11-0) Tracked leaders, mainly in 3rd, not fluent 4th, on terms 4 out, mistake 2 out, soon headed, dropped to 3rd and one pace from before last, 3rd of 4, 7l behind Don Cossack (11-10) at Punchestown 2m 7f chs Grade 3 (1) gf in Oct.
Realt Mor (IRE) 33-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, 6th halfway, fell 12th, in a race won by Road To Riches (11-10) at Down Royal 3m chs G1 (1), 8 ran.
Rubi Light (FR) 11-2 (11-12) Soon raced in 2nd, pushed along before straight, dropped to last from before 2 out, soon no extra, last of 5, 18l behind Perfect Gentleman (11-5) at Clonmel 2m 4f hdl hvy in Feb.
Champagne Fever (IRE) 5-4fav (11-10) Soon disputed lead, led and not fluent 3rd, strongly pressed and headed 2 out, no extra from before last, 6th of 8, 16l behind God's Own (11-10) at Punchestown 2m nov chs G1 (1) in May.
