Donnas Palm is the class-act here though she looks worth taking on after several poor efforts over fences since beating Foildubh in a Grade 2 novice chase at Navan in February. Her earlier hurdles form would see her win this but she's now looking vulnerable and DARROUN can take advantage. Willie Mullins' youngster had today's rival Edeymi just over 4l behind when landing what turned out to be the best maiden of the season at Leopardstown in January and has been highly tried subsequently. Fred Winter runner-up Edeymi has a fitness advantage this time and there should be little between the pair but Count Salazar and Leggy Lad have plenty to find.
Darroun (IRE) 4-6fav (11-7) Soon disputed lead and niggled along at stages, headed from 2 out, no impression and slight stumble on roadway before straight, kept on same pace, 2nd of 5, 8l behind Discoteca (11-7) at Ballinrobe 2m 4yo hdl gf in May.
Edeymi (IRE) 16-1 (10-13) Chased leaders in 3rd, weakened entering straight, last of 6, 39l behind Monksland (11-8) at Down Royal 2m hdl G2 (1) gd in Nov.
Count Salazar (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Always behind, trailing from 4 out, last of 11, well behind Bishopsfurze (11-0) at Thurles 2m 6f hdl in Nov.
Donnas Palm (IRE) 25-1 (11-5) Rear of mid-division, moderate 14th 3 out (usual 4 out), kept on one paced straight, 8th of 20, 41l behind Tofino Bay (11-4) at Navan 3m hcp chs 0-150 hvy in Nov.
Leggy Lad (IRE) 12-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders, bad mistake and unseated rider 4th, in a race won by Highdownhill (10-5) at Punchestown 2m 4f hcp chs 0-130 hvy in Nov, 10 ran.
