raced in 2nd, slight mistake 3rd, led from 4 out, pushed along from 2 out, pressed and kept on well under pressure run-in
in rear, detached approaching 4th, pushed along from 4 out and well behind
led, headed from 4 out, pushed along straight, dropped to 3rd before 2 out, 2nd before last, kept on without getting to winner run-in and tight for room closing stages
raced in 3rd, pushed along from 3 out, challenged in 2nd before 2 out where slight mistake, 3rd again and no impression before last, one pace
Lieutenant Colonel has been more like his old self in recent outings and is a former Grade 1 winner over hurdles. He has to give weight to his rivals but it isn’t much and it would be no surprise to see the nine-year-old end his barren spell over the smaller obstacles. However, he appears closely matched with KARALEE on Leopardstown running and Willie Mullins’ mare is less exposed and fancied to come out on top today. Jaime Sommers has a bit to find on official ratings but not as much as Knockraha Pylon.
Lieutenant Colonel 6-1 (11-0) Held up in last, went 4th 3 out, close 3rd on outer entering straight, ridden to lead approaching last, strongly pressed at last, headed inside final furlong, kept on same pace close home, 2nd of 5, 2l behind Jezki (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m 2f sft in Mar.
Jaime Sommers (IRE) 33-1 (10-11) In rear, no impression 3 out, kept on same pace from next, last of 6, 12 1/2l behind Meri Devie (10-9) at Punchestown 2m 4f lst (1) Soft - Heavy in Feb.
Karalee (FR) 5-1 (10-12) Held up in 4th, dropped to last 3 out, last when bumped on outer entering straight, ridden in 4th at last, 3rd early run-in, kept on without threatening inside final furlong, 3rd of 5, 2 1/4l behind Jezki (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m 2f sft in Mar.
Knockraha Pylon (IRE) 15-8fav (11-1) Chased leader, 2nd halfway, challenged entering straight, ridden in 2nd 2 out, no extra in 3rd last, kept on one pace, 3rd of 6, 8 1/2l behind Tongie (10-1) at Gowran Park 2m hcp hvy in Feb.
