led 2nd where slight mistake, not fluent 8th and joined, not fluent 9th, soon headed, dropped to 4th and pushed along straight, soon no impression, one pace
soon raced in 2nd, a little keen, on terms 8th, led from next, travelling smoothly straight, jumped right last, stayed on well run-in, comfortably
led early, inclined to jump right, soon raced in 3rd, mistake 6th, pushed along after 3 out, chased winner from before last, no impression and kept on same pace
held up, closer order when bumped slightly 4 out, soon improved, 2nd straight, pushed along after 3 out, 3rd and no impression from before last where not fluent, one pace
held up, took keen hold, closer order when jumped slightly right 4 out, under pressure in last straight, soon no impression, one pace
CHAMPAGNE FEVER is still in the three main championship chase events at Cheltenham and is out to redeem himself after his fall at Thurles where he was in front, though being challenged by Don Cossack, when falling at the last. The Arkle runner-up should see off these opponents before heading for the Festival. Rathlin was on the retreat when falling at the last at Tramore on New Year's Day before finishing mid-division in the Boylesports at Leopardstown while Arnaud hasn't recaptured last season's excellent form. Bright New Dawn won the Grade 2 Flyingbolt here a year ago and has gone extremely well subsequently in very strong company. He looks the main threat though Texas Jack is making a quick reappearance after a fair run in the Hennessy on Sunday and should appreciate dropping back to this trip.
Bright New Dawn (IRE) 3-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, 2nd before 3 out, ridden and no impression on winner approaching last, kept on one pace, 2nd of 6, 5l behind Hidden Cyclone (11-4) at Punchestown 2m chs G2 (1) sft.
Champagne Fever (IRE) 4-5fav (11-8) Led, pressed 2 out, led narrowly under pressure and fell last, in a race won by Don Cossack (11-10) at Thurles 2m 4f chs Grd 2 (1) in Jan, 4 ran.
Texas Jack (IRE) 20-1 (11-10) Towards rear, 8th 4 out, went 5th entering straight, no impression in 4th last, no extra run-in, 5th of 8, 11l behind Carlingford Lough (11-10) at Leopardstown 3m chs G1 (1).
Arnaud (IRE) 12-1 (10-4) Tracked leaders in 4th, dropped to 7th 4 out, soon ridden and no impression, 7th of 9, 46l behind Mallowney (11-4) at Fairyhouse 2m 1f hcap ch in Jan.
Rathlin 33-1 (11-8) Rear of mid-division, progress 3 out, ridden in 8th next, soon no impression, 7th of 15, 19l behind Foxrock (11-8) at Leopardstown 2m 5f hcp chs sft in Jan.
