chased leaders in 6th, ridden early straight and no extra from over 1f out
tracked leader in 2nd, 3rd approaching straight, ridden and tried to challenge 1f out, 3rd and no impression inside final furlong
tracked leaders in 3rd, 2nd approaching straight, headway to lead 2f out, strongly pressed and headed inside final furlong, kept on same pace under pressure
led, strongly pressed and headed 2f out, under pressure in 4th 1f out, no extra
towards rear, ridden early straight, kept on one pace without troubling leaders
tracked leaders in 4th, poised to challenge over 1f out, headway between horses to lead inside final furlong, ridden and kept on well
chased leaders in 5th, ridden early straight and soon no extra, weakened
settled in rear, some headway early straight, ridden in 4th early final furlong, no impression and kept on one pace
Willie Mullins looks to have the answer to this with PIQUE SOUS, an excellent third to stable companion Champagne Fever in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham. The winner followed up with a very impressive victory at Punchestown so today's selection will be very difficult to beat. The champion National Hunt trainer also runs the promising Perfect Gentleman though there are others with better claims including Mumbo Jumbo, who beat the useful Maller Tree at Leopardstown in December. Bouillabaisse has joined Colm Murphy after an impressive victory at Punchestown last May and is definitely one to keep an eye on for the future.
Mumbo Jumbo (IRE) 11-4fav (11-6) Tracked leaders in 3rd, good headway to challenge and led entering straight, soon asserted, driven out to maintain advantage final furlong, won at Leopardstown 2m N H flat sft in Dec beating Maller Tree (11-6) by 1 3/4l, 8 ran.
Pique Sous (FR) 12-1 (11-5) Mid-division on outside, headway 6f out, effort over 2f out, ridden to challenge and every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace under pressure final furlong, 3rd of 20, 1 1/2l behind Champagne Fever (11-5) at Cheltenham 2m N H flat G1 (1) gd in Mar.
The Mighty Milan (IRE) 8-13fav (11-12) Prominent and disputed lead, led before halfway, ridden to assert early straight and clear from over 1f out, driven out and kept on well, won at Punchestown 2m N H flat in Jan beating A New Day (11-7) by 14l, 6 ran.
Wandering Aengus 14-1 (11-12) Mid-division, 8th halfway, ridden and no extra before 2 out, weakened and tailed off, 9th of 12, well behind Aupcharlie (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 4f mdn hdl in Jan.
Young Palm (IRE) 5-1 (10-13) Held up in rear, headway to go 2nd over 3f out, challenged over 2f out, led over 1f out, kept on well, won at Ayr 2m NH flat (6) gs in Jan beating Howaboutnow (11-11) by 5l, 6 ran.
Bouillabaisse (IRE) 11-2 (11-2) Always prominent, 2nd before straight, challenged and led over 1f out, stayed on well to draw clear inside final furlong, won at Punchestown 2m 1f nhf gd in May '11 beating Rear View (10-13) by 3 1/2l, 18 ran.
Trendy Gift (IRE) 33-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, headway from 3f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, won at Cork 2m mrs N H flat gd in Apr beating Ichey Feet (11-2) by 3l, 11 ran.
Clara Bel La (IRE) Accordion mare out of Home At Last.
Perfect Gentleman (IRE) 11-4 (11-12) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, headway into 3rd 3 out, ridden 2 out, under pressure in 4th last, kept on same pace run-in, 3rd of 17, 1l behind Carrig Millie (11-5) at Navan 2m mdn hdl in Mar.
