led and disputed, led from 2 out, soon ridden, slight mistake and headed at last, kept on same pace in 2nd run-in
tracked leader in 2nd early, disputed lead from before 3rd, headed at 4th, ridden in 4th after 3 out, no impression
tracked leaders disputing 4th early, dropped to last at halfway, ridden 3 out, no impression
tracked leaders in 3rd, mistake 4th, improved to dispute lead 4 out, headed on outer 2 out, ridden and led at last, stayed on well run-in
held up in last early, progress into 3rd 3 out, ridden in 4th next, no impression
tracked leaders disputing 4th, went 3rd and ridden 2 out, 3rd and slight mistake at last, kept on same pace run-in
COUNT SIMON's only victory over hurdles came here last summer and he keeps finding ways of getting beaten. He has to concede weight all round here but looks the one to beat as Laverteen was behind him in a Naas handicap last time and there's no reason for a form reversal while his stable companion Kuiper Belt was showing his best form on much quicker ground last summer. Slippery Serpent didn't stay 3m last time but his form last autumn at around this trip puts him in the frame and he looks the main threat.
Count Simon (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Mid-division, pushed along and not clear run 2 out, some headway approaching last where left 4th, kept on run-in to go moderate 2nd close home, 2nd of 19, 6l behind Mount Pelier (10-2) at Naas 2m 3f hcp Yielding in Mar.
Andratx (IRE) 40-1 (11-6) Always behind, no impression from 3 out, never a factor, last of 10, 36 1/4l behind Eclair De Beaufeu (10-13) at Fairyhouse 2m gd in Jan.
Kuiper Belt (USA) 16-1 (10-11) Mid-division, ridden before 2 out, no extra from 2 out, last of 9, 37 3/4l behind Cliff House (11-0) at Leopardstown 2m hcp Yielding in Mar.
Laverteen (FR) 20-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, 6th halfway, headway 4 out and led 2 out, ridden and headed last, no extra run-in, 5th of 19, 7 3/4l behind Mount Pelier (10-2) at Naas 2m 3f hcp Yielding in Mar.
Western Boy (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Rear of mid-division on outer, closer in 7th 3 out, soon ridden and no impression, 11th of 14, 24 3/4l behind Eight And Bob (10-1) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f hcp Good - Yielding in Feb.
Slippery Serpent (IRE) 12-1 (10-4) Settled behind leaders, 7th halfway, mistake 7th, ridden and no extra before 2 out, pulled up before last, at Leopardstown 3m hcp Good - Yielding in Dec.
