led early, headed 3rd, not fluent 5th, dropped to 3rd entering straight, ridden to dispute lead before last, headed at last, kept on same pace in 2nd run-in
tracked leaders in 3rd, jumped left and slow at 9th, went 2nd entering straight, jumped left and mistake 2 out, soon ridden, disputed lead before last, led at last, stayed on well run-in
tracked leader in 2nd early, led from 3rd, ridden and strongly pressed after 2 out, headed and dropped to 3rd before last, kept on one pace in 3rd run-in
raced last throughout, not fluent 3rd and 5th, ridden after 3 out, no impression straight
tracked leaders in 4th throughout, pushed along 2 out, ridden and no impression on leaders before last, no extra
Six-times Grade 1-winning hurdler SHARJAH has come to fences late but has looked as though he's been enjoying himself in his two runs to date, showing his class in both. He's taking on much better rivals here but can remain unbeaten. Paul Townend has chosen him over stablemate I Am Maximus, last seen winning the Irish Grand National here in April. Found A Fifty did very well over hurdles but was always more likely to make his mark over fences and was impressive in a beginners' race at Down Royal. Perceval Legallois won a Grade B handicap hurdle at Punchestown before a winning start over fences at Galway but then fell three out in a Cork Grade 3 won by stable companion Letsbeclearaboutit, who won with real authority. The latter looks the logical main threat to the selection.
Found A Fifty (IRE) 8-13fav (11-12) Made all, pushed along entering straight, soon extended and clear, very easily, won at Down Royal 2m 4f sft in Nov beating Colonel Mustard (11-12) by 8l, 9 ran.
I Am Maximus (FR) 8-1 (11-1) Towards rear, pushed along after 2nd and reminder after 6th, mistake 12th, some headway 6 out and 8th 4 out, progress 2 out, ridden and went 4th at last, under pressure and kept on well run-in to lead closing stages, won at Fairyhouse 3m 5f hcp sft in Apr beating Gevrey (10-0) by 1l, 27 ran.
Letsbeclearaboutit (IRE) 5-4fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, 2nd at 7th, 3rd 6 out, 2nd 4 out, led travelling well 3 out, soon pressed, joined 2 out, led again after 2 out and 2 lengths lead last, went clear run-in, easily, impressive, won at Cork 2m 4f (1) sft in Nov beating Mighty Tom (11-0) by 10l, 7 ran.
Perceval Legallois (FR) 5-1 (11-0) Held up in touch, soon 5th, 3rd entering straight, in touch in 5th when fell 3 out, at Cork 2m 4f (1) sft in Nov.
Sharjah (FR) 8-15fav (11-1) Disputed, led before 4th and made rest, not fluent 3 out, 5 lengths lead travelling well 2 out, went further clear before last, kept on well, easily, won at Tipperary 2m 4f (1) sft in Oct beating Captain Conby (11-1) by 12l, 5 ran.
