led, ridden and headed before 2 out, no extra and tired before last, dropped to 3rd run-in
settled behind leaders, ran freely early, 3rd halfway, mistake 4 out and slight mistake 3 out, improved to challenge entering straight, led before 2 out, ridden clear before last, mistake and reduced advantage last, kept on well run-in
chased leader in 2nd, ridden to challenge entering straight, under pressure in 3rd before 2 out, no impression before last, kept on one pace, went 2nd run-in, no impression on winner
held up in rear, slight mistake 8th, dropped behind from 5 out, pulled up before 3 out
settled behind leaders, mistake and unseated rider 2nd
Official ratings point to the chances of Valseur Lido, winner of the Grade 1 Champion Chase at Down Royal the season before last. This is his easiest task for a long time but he’s not been sparkling this term so it could be worth giving another chance to the much younger KOSHARI, who wouldn’t have much to find on these terms and had looked progressive prior to making mistakes and being pulled up in a Grade 1 novice event at Leopardstown. It’s a long time since Shadow Catcher got his head in front and he’s been well below his best in two runs this season while Fine Theatre and Pumbaa face a stiff task at the weights.
Valseur Lido (FR) 12-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, prominent from 4th and disputed at times, ridden in 3rd entering straight, no extra 3 out, weakened next, last of 5, dist behind Our Duke (11-10) at Gowran Park 2m 4f (1) hvy in Feb.
Koshari (FR) 25-1 (11-10) Held up, slight mistakes early, no impression from 4 out, pulled up before 2 out, at Leopardstown 2m 5f (1) sft in Feb.
Fine Theatre (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Mid-division, closer in 4th 4 out, ridden in 3rd 3 out, soon no impression on leaders, 4th at last, no extra, 4th of 15, 15 1/2l behind Pairofbrowneyes (11-4) at Gowran Park 2m 7f hcp hvy in Mar.
Pumbaa (IRE) 20-1 (11-9) Led, pushed along and headed entering straight, soon no extra, weakened, 17th of 20, 37 1/4l behind Lex Talionis (10-5) at Punchestown 2m hcp Yielding - Soft in Oct.
Shadow Catcher 12-1 (11-7) Tracked leader in 2nd, ridden and weakened from 3 out, last of 10, dist behind Ben Button (10-12) at Sligo 2m 4f hcp gd in Aug.
