tracked leaders in 3rd, headway to challenge 2 out, led travelling best before last, kept on well run-in, easily
tracked leader in 2nd, ridden and no impression in 3rd approaching last, kept on one pace
led, strongly pressed 2 out, ridden and headed before last, no chance with easy winner run-in
raced in 4th throughout, no threat in straight
A small but select field with a couple of potentially high-class performers in opposition. GALILEO'S CHOICE is the obvious selection having finished a close second to Sous Les Cieux in the Grade 1 Royal Bond over the C&D in December and should take this before a trip to Cheltenham for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle. Terminal is also engaged in that event and a couple of others at the Festival and Willie Mullins will know how his entry stands as he provided the winner of the Royal Bond. The triple French bumper winner made an impressive start to his career over timber at Navan and will ensure the likely favourite doesn't have everything his own way. Flycorn has competed at a very high level after his Tipperary maiden success and looks booked for the minor berth.
Galileo's Choice (IRE) 3-1 (11-10) Settled towards rear, 4th halfway, closer before 3 out and went 2nd next, ridden and no impression before last, kept on same pace under pressure run-in without troubling winner, 2nd of 6, 1 1/4l behind Sous Les Cieux (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m nov hdl Grade 1 (1) sft in Dec.
Terminal (FR) 4-7fav (11-8) Always prominent, led after 4th, pressed and ridden from 2 out, kept on well run-in, asserted close home, won at Navan 2m mdn hdl in Jan beating Hidden Future (11-3) by 2 3/4l, 20 ran.
Becauseicouldntsee (IRE) 14-1 (11-7) Towards rear for most, fell 2 out, in a race won by Cross Appeal (10-4) at Leopardstown 3m hcp chs 0-145 in Dec, 26 ran.
Supreme Bob (IRE) 8-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, 4th over 2f out, soon no impression under pressure, kept on same pace, 5th of 18, 10l behind Our Vinnie (11-12) at Naas 2m 3f N H flat in Jan.
Flycorn (IRE) 33-1 (10-13) Mid-division best, ridden in 15th 2 out, no impression, 18th of 30, 25l behind Citizenship (10-3) at Leopardstown 2m hcp hdl 0-145 in Jan.
