held up in rear of mid-division, smooth headway to lead 2 out, travelled well and asserted approaching last, kept on well run-in, easily
led, mistake 1st, headed briefly 4 out, pushed along and headed 2 out, no impression on winner approaching last, ridden and kept on one pace run-in
tracked leader in 2nd, led briefly 4 out, pushed along and lost place after 3 out, soon no extra, weakened
in rear, some headway when bad mistake 2 out, soon no extra, weakened
tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden and no impression approaching last, under pressure and kept on run-in
ran 4th, not fluent 3rd, pushed along and no impression in 5th approaching straight, ridden and kept on one pace from before last
held up towards rear, ran freely, headway approaching 2 out where not fluent, no impression before last, kept on one pace
MITCHOUKA has won three of his six starts over hurdles, his two latest defeats coming in Grade's 2/3. He has little to fear from Mastermind, who he's finished in front of three times, though the latter did appear to improve at Naas last time in very testing conditions. Big Ego had little chance against the very impressive Saldier at Gowran but should improve as should the filly Alohamora, who was poor on the Flat but was sent to Catterick for a very easy debut victory over timber. Randalls Ur Poet wasn't too far behind Mastermind at Gowran in November and is better off at the weights though is well held by the selection on later running.
Mitchouka (FR) Evensfav (11-3) Tracked leader in 2nd, improved to dispute lead 4 out, led next, went clear travelling well 2 out, stayed on strongly run-in, easily, won at Fairyhouse 2m sft in Jan beating Veneer Of Charm (11-0) by 8l, 4 ran.
Mastermind (IRE) 5-1 (10-12) Made most, ridden and joined 2 out, regained lead at last, stayed on well run-in, won at Naas 2m hvy in Feb beating Pete So High (10-11) by 3l, 5 ran.
Big Ego 40-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, dropped off leaders 3 out, ridden into moderate 3rd before 2 out, left 2nd last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 14, 10l behind Saldier (11-7) at Gowran Park 2m mdn hvy in Feb.
Itsalonglongroad 16-1 (9-5) Soon led, headed over 2f out and ridden, dropped to 4th over 1f out, no extra and kept on same pace inside final furlong, 5th of 17, 15 3/4l behind Erratic Path (9-5) at Gowran Park 1m 1f mdn Soft - Heavy in Sep.
Randalls Ur Poet (IRE) 7-2fav (10-6) Tracked leaders, 2nd halfway, ridden approaching last and led early run-in, under pressure and kept on, no extra and headed close home, 2nd of 9, nk behind Chesterfield King (11-1) at Fairyhouse 2m Soft - Heavy in Feb.
Alohamora (IRE) 13-2 (10-12) Tracked leader, led and clear before last, eased towards finish, won at Catterick 2m fll (4) gs in Feb beating Hazy Manor (10-12) by 10l, 6 ran.
Cristal Icon (IRE) 50-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, ridden into moderate 7th entering straight, left 4th last, kept on one pace, 3rd of 14, 28l behind Saldier (11-7) at Gowran Park 2m mdn hvy in Feb.
