chased leader in 2nd, improved to lead after 4 out, went a few lengths clear before last and kept on well run-in, easily
led, headed and dropped to 2nd after 4 out, remained close-up, stumbled slightly after 2 out, pushed along before last and soon no impression, kept on same pace run-in
raced in 3rd, pushed along and detached from 2 out, no extra and kept on same pace from before last
JOEY SASA (NAP) has only won once over hurdles but he's been racing in very strong company and his fourth in the Galway Hurdle was an excellent effort. He holds a race-fitness advantage over Peace News, who looked a superb prospect on his hurdling debut at Cork in November but who seemed to falter after falling two out when in contention for a Grade 1 at Fairyhouse the following month. Dakota Moirette won a Punchestown maiden before tackling handicap company and looks best of Gordon Elliott's pair and the remainder have a lot to do under the conditions.
Joey Sasa (IRE) 25-1 (10-7) Mid-division, 8th 2 out, pushed along and went 5th on outer approaching last, kept on one pace, 4th of 20, 8 1/2l behind Tigris River (10-9) at Galway 2m hcp Yielding in Aug.
Peace News (GER) 7-1 (11-3) Led and disputed, headed before 3rd, soon dropped to rear and ridden along, closer again 4 out, ridden in 5th and no impression after 3 out, soon no extra, left moderate 4th last, 4th of 7, 25 1/2l behind Forge Meadow (10-10) at Naas 2m (1) Soft - Heavy in Feb.
Dakota Moirette (FR) 16-1 (10-2) Prominent, pushed along from 3 out, soon no impression, dropped to 10th before straight and no extra, last of 11, 11 1/4l behind Western Boy (11-3) at Punchestown 2m hcp Good - Yielding in Apr.
Fort Montagu (FR) 12-1 (11-7) Led and disputed, not always fluent jumping, strongly pressed approaching straight, soon headed and no impression, 5th of 8, 10 3/4l behind Shanning (11-1) at Galway 2m 1f sft in Oct.
Masterson (IRE) 9-1 (10-10) Held up in moderate 3rd, rear but closer 4 out, ridden and no impression 3 out, soon no extra, weakened from 2 out, tailed off, last of 4, dist behind Moulin A Vent (11-5) at Navan 2m 6f Yielding in Sep.
