soon tracked leaders, 3rd at 7th, not fluent 9th, slow 11th, almost on terms when slight mistake 3 out, soon no impression in 3rd, mistake 2 out, slow jump last, no extra
close up early, soon chased leaders, moderate 5th at 7th, slightly impeded 10th, moderate 4th when fell 3 out
in rear, soon detached, slightly impeded 10th, soon moderate 5th, no impression from before 3 out, hit 2 out, pulled up before last
soon led, jumped left 8th, joined 3 out, headed 2 out where mistake, soon no impression, one pace
soon tracked leaders, 4th at 7th, slight mistake 8th, bad mistake and unseated rider 10th
towards rear, moderate 6th at 7th, left chasing leaders but no impression from 3 out, just held on for 3rd at the finish
prominent, slight mistake 5th, 2nd at 7th, mistake 10th, slight mistake 12th, on terms from 3 out, led 2 out, soon clear, stayed on well run-in, comfortably
held up, moderate 7th at 7th, soon no danger, kept on run-in, just failed for 3rd
BALBIR DU MATHAN, a Listed winner over hurdles in France, might have won on his chasing debut here in November but for falling when in the lead at the second last. He couldn't handle Le Vent D'Antan at Leopardstown last month but that was certainly no disgrace and he should take this. Thunder And Roses appeared held when the selection fell here but looked an improved performer when travelling strongly before coming to grief over the track and trip last month. He looks the main threat as though The Bosses Cousin has looked useful when getting his jumping together he once again made too many mistakes at Punchestown last time. Malt Gem hasn't managed to repeat his successful form over hurdles but looks the type to improve with experience and the longer trip should bring out the best in him, a remark that also applies to Katnap, a very good second to Mount Colah at Thurles a year ago though having a long absence to overcome.
Balbir Du Mathan (FR) 5-1 (11-12) Led, joined 4th, led again 3 out, ridden and headed early straight, no impression on winner final furlong, kept on one pace, 2nd of 7, 8l behind Le Vent D'Antan (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 3f beg chs in Dec.
Bold Conquest (IRE) 12-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, 3rd 3 out, soon ridden, 3rd 2 out, dropped to 4th before last, no extra, 4th of 11, 12l behind Mydor (10-4) at Fairyhouse 2m 6f hcp hdl sft.
Glenwood For Ever (IRE) 7-1 (12-2) Chsd ldrs, 4th 6out, prog in 2nd 2out, ld aftr 2out & gng best with 1l adv when good jump last, went clr flat, won at Cregg 3m ire ptp gs in Dec beating I Wonder Why (11-6) by 2 1/2l, 12 ran.
Katnap (FR) 4-5fav (11-12) Tracked leaders on outer, went 3rd from 6 out, close 3rd when mistake 3 out, soon ridden, disputing 2nd when left clear 2nd 2 out, kept on same pace from last, 2nd of 11, 3 1/2l behind Didntitellya (11-2) at Down Royal 2m 4f beg chase hvy in Feb.
Malt Gem (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Led early, tracked leaders, slight mistake 4th, mistake 7th, soon raced in 5th, not fluent 8th, 3rd 3 out, no impression approaching straight, left 2nd from last, 3rd close home, 3rd of 8, 10l behind Sonny B (11-12) at Limerick 2m 6f beg chs in Dec.
The Bosses Cousin (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Led, headed 5 out, remained close up, 3rd before 3 out, ridden in 4th and slight mistake 2 out, soon no impression and weakened, last of 4, well behind The Job Is Right (11-12) at Punchestown 3m 1f beg chs sft in Dec.
Thunder And Roses (IRE) 9-4 (11-12) Tracked leaders, on terms 5th, still almost disputing and every chance when fell 2 out, in a race won by Val De Ferbet (11-11) at Fairyhouse 3m beg chs sft in Dec, 10 ran.
The Tinker Molly (IRE) 25-1 (10-11) Prominent, led 2nd, headed approaching 3 out, no extra in 6th 2 out, weakened, 10th of 17, 41l behind Wrath Of Titans (11-12) at Thurles 2m 6f mdn hdl hvy in Dec.
