disputed early, soon chased leader in 2nd, dropped to 5th before 4 out, soon weakened, pulled up before 2 out
chased leaders, 4th halfway, 3rd before 4 out, ridden in 4th entering straight, left moderate 3rd 2 out, kept on to 2nd before last, no chance with winner
held up in last, moderate 6th 4 out, no impression in 5th before straight, left 4th 2 out, kept on one pace
soon led, ridden and headed entering straight, no extra in 3rd approaching 2 out, left moderate 2nd, 3rd and kept on one pace from before last
tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, 2nd before 4 out, improved to lead entering straight, challenged when fell 2 out
settled behind leaders, 5th halfway, closer in 4th before 4 out, slight mistake 3 out, improved to challenge when left clear 2 out, kept on strongly
settled behind leaders, 6th halfway, dropped to rear and slight mistake 4 out, weakened
Only two of the last 10 favourites have won this but the ground was very heavy when 25/1 chance Jadanli took it a year ago. Noble Prince is the obvious starting point after his superb victory over subsequent Aintree winner Wishfull Thinking and today's rival Loosen My Load in the Jewson at Cheltenham and, though twice behind Realt Dubh over 2m1f at Leopardstown earlier, the longer trip at Cheltenham played to his strengths. Realt Dubh went on to run very well in the Arkle and it's entirely possible he'll be just as good over today's extra half-mile. This has never been a good race for Willie Mullins but it's time for MIKAEL D'HAGUENET to stand up and be counted, literally. A last-fence faller when looking the winner on his chasing bow in a Grade 1 here in December, he's been very frustrating subsequently but this ground will play to his strengths and hopefully he can remain on his feet and show what a potential champion he is.
Bob Lingo (IRE) 9-4 (11-5) Attempted to make all, headed and ridden 3 out, weakened quickly from next, last of 7, 47l behind Prince Erik (11-5) at Naas 2m 4f nov chs sft in Mar.
Loosen My Load (IRE) 11-2 (11-4) Prominent, joined leader going well 4 out, mistake 3 out, soon outpaced, rallied and every chance next, ridden and one pace when lost 2nd approaching last, no impression with leading pair flat, 3rd of 11, 9l behind Noble Prince (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m 4f nov chs G2 (1) gd in Mar.
Mikael D'haguenet (FR) 15-2 (11-4) Held up towards rear, hit 7th, headway and in 6th when fell 14th, in a race won by Bostons Angel (11-4) at Cheltenham 3m nov chs G1 (1) gd in Mar, 12 ran.
Mr Cracker (IRE) 4-1 (11-8) Soon led and clear, jumped well, slight mistake last, stayed on well, won at Limerick 3m nov chs G2 (1) gd beating Western Charmer (11-3) by 4l, 10 ran.
Noble Prince (GER) 4-1 (11-4) Held up in touch on outside, headway to track leader 11th until hit 4 out, went 2nd again approaching last, led soon after, ridden and stayed on well flat, won at Cheltenham 2m 4f nov chs G2 (1) gd in Mar beating Wishfull Thinking (11-4) by 4l, 11 ran.
Realt Dubh (IRE) 17-2 (11-7) Mid-division on inside, chased leaders 3 out, effort and every chance next, soon ridden and kept on same pace, no impression with leading pair flat, 3rd of 10, 9l behind Captain Chris (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m nov chs G1 (1) gd in Mar.
Roi Du Mee (FR) 6-4fav (11-8) Towards rear, moderate 7th 5 out, struggling 3 out, eased straight, 7th of 10, 44l behind Mr Cracker (11-8) at Limerick 3m nov chs G2 (1) gd.
