soon raced in 3rd, improved into 2nd 3 out, soon challenged, led after 2 out, clear approaching last where slight mistake, stayed on well run-in, comfortably
chased leaders early, dropped to last 6 out, soon no impression
soon raced in 2nd, not fluent 1st, pushed along approaching straight, 3rd and no extra 3 out, kept on one pace
led, reduced lead 3rd, pressed from after 3 out, headed after next, soon no extra, kept on one pace
held up towards rear, moderate 4th approaching 6 out, not fluent 5 out and next, soon no impression
towards rear, moderate 5th 6 out, pushed along from 4 out, soon no impression
Willie Mullins had five of the original 13 entries and relies on TARLA and Upsie with the former taken to come out on top and land this for the second year in succession. She had today's rival Rebel Fitz 5l behind a year ago when Won In The Dark pulled up. Although beaten when long odds-on for a Grade 1 at Punchestown subsequently, she's been chasing and made too many mistakes last time so reverting to hurdles looks the right option. Upsie has done very well and her victory over stablemate Urticaire at Punchestown last month showed she is on the upgrade. Rebel Fitz has also been chasing with great success having won five of his seven starts so he's an obvious threat but the remainder will need to find some improvement to get involved.
Rebel Fitz (FR) 4-7fav (11-11) Tracked winner, jumped big 1st and 2nd, mistake 3 out, soon pushed along, every chance 2 out, driven and no impression flat, last of 2, 1 1/4l behind Third Intention (11-3) at Cheltenham 2m 4f nov chs (2) gd in Oct.
Won In The Dark (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders early, moderate 8th 4 out, soon ridden and weakened, 14th of 17, 28l behind Sammy Black (10-0) at Naas 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-140.
Jennies Jewel (IRE) 50-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, lost place after 3 out, weakened next, 11th of 16, 16l behind Quevega (11-5) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hdl G2 (1) gs.
Tarla (FR) 9-10fav (11-6) Ran freely early, led before 2nd, jumped right 3rd, slight mistake 4 out, headed before 2 out, ridden and mistake last, no extra run-in, 4th of 5, 10l behind Avondhu Lady (11-3) at Naas 2m in Feb.
Upsie (FR) 5-4fav (11-3) Held up in 4th, slight mistake 7th, progress into 2nd before last, ridden to lead last, kept on well run-in, won at Punchestown 2m 4f hdl hvy in Feb beating Urticaire (10-11) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Joxer (IRE) 7-1 (10-11) Held up in touch in last, not fluent at 4th, ridden after 3 out, moderate 5th entering straight, moderate 4th at last, no extra, 4th of 6, 10l behind Sailors Warn (11-0) at Leopardstown 2m 2f hdl sft.
