chased leader in 2nd, improved to lead before straight, ridden and challenged 2 out, kept on well from before last
chased leaders, 4th halfway, 3rd 3 out, ridden and no extra before 2 out
led, ridden and headed before straight, no extra in 3rd 2 out, 4th and kept on same pace last
settled mid-division, 6th halfway, headway in 3rd before straight, challenged in 2nd when bad mistake 2 out, ridden and no extra before last
chased leaders early, 7th halfway, ridden in 8th 3 out, 6th 2 out, stayed on into 3rd last, kept on same pace
mid-division, 5th halfway, ridden into 4th 2 out, 2nd last, no impression run-in, kept on same pace
held up, 8th halfway, headway into 6th before straight, ridden in 5th 2 out, kept on same pace from before last
chased leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden in 7th before straight, no extra and weakened
A strong entry with many of these having competed with credit at a higher level. That particularly applies to SHOT FROM THE HIP, a maiden winner over 2m2f at Leopardstown before only fading from the last over the same C&D when third behind Oscars Well in the Grade 1 Deloitte Novice Hurdle. The Bull Hayes was well beaten that day and the overall form is better than Canaly's success in a conditions event at Naas and Dessie Hughes' charge has to concede the selection 4lb. Joe Smooth couldn't quite cope with Grade 2 company at Punchestown after landing a maiden there but he's coming along nicely and should give a good account. Willie Mullins had a quartet entered at the five-day stage and relies on Sir Vincent, who is progressing well and overcame a couple of mistakes to win smoothly at Tramore.
Canaly (IRE) 7-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders in 4th, 3rd 4 out, smooth headway to dispute approaching 2 out, slight advantage last, ridden and kept on well run-in, won at Naas 2m 3f hdl in Mar beating Henro Boy (11-5) by 2l, 6 ran.
Baily Dusk (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, closed 4 out, in front when mistake 2 out, stayed on well run-in, won at Cork 2m mdn hdl in Mar beating Barel Of Laughs (11-12) by 1 3/4l, 18 ran.
Days Hotel (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, led approaching straight, went clear from 2 out, stayed on well, easily, won at Clonmel 2m mdn hdl in Mar beating Pickapocketortwo (11-12) by 14l, 14 ran.
Joe Smooth 6-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders in 4th, smooth headway after 3 out, 2nd after 2 out, soon ridden and no impression, 4th of 7, 12l behind Gagewell Flyer (11-8) at Punchestown 2m nov hdl Grade 2 (1) sft in Jan.
Shot From The Hip (GER) 6-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, progress into 4th after 3 out, close 3rd 2 out, ridden to dispute lead entering straight, headed before last, soon no extra, 3rd of 10, 9l behind Oscars Well (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m 2f nov hdl G2 (1) hvy in Feb.
Sir Vincent (IRE) 3-1 (11-12) Mistake and rider briefly lost reins 1st, settled 4th, moderate 3rd and headway after 4 out, 2nd and closed on leader after 3 out, led when mistake 2 out, ridden clear before last, stayed on well, won at Tramore 2m mdn hdl hvy in Jan beating Beckwith Star (11-4) by 6l, 10 ran.
The Bull Hayes (IRE) 20-1 (11-9) Tracked leaders in moderate 4th, weakened 3 out, behind when bad mistake last, tailed off, last of 10, well behind Oscars Well (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m 2f nov hdl G2 (1) hvy in Feb.
Rourke's Cross (IRE) Milan gelding out of Banbury Cross.
Wood Lily (IRE) 11-4 (11-0) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, headway into 2nd entering straight, challenged 2 out where mistake, soon ridden and no extra in 3rd before last, 3rd of 8, 17l behind Definite Class (10-11) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f Mares Novice Hurdle (5-7yo) hvy in Feb.
Knockcroghery (IRE) 33-1 (11-2) Prominent, moderate 2nd before straight, ridden but still a chance when fell 2 out, in a race won by Ainm Spartacus (11-7) at Limerick 2m 4yo hdl sft in Mar, 11 ran.
Definitely Marble (IRE) 9-2 (12-0) Led, ridden entering straight, headed under 2f out, no impression on winner final furlong, kept on, 2nd of 22, 8l behind Last Draw (12-0) at Punchestown 2m N H flat hvy in May '09.
