held up, mainly 3rd, progress into 2nd after 4 out, challenged entering straight, led 3 out, soon ridden, mistake last and strongly pressed, all out run-in, kept on well under pressure
chased leader in 2nd, 3rd before straight, ridden 3 out, under pressure and disputing 3rd when fell 2 out
led, headed 3 out and ridden, no extra and disputing 3rd when bad mistake and unseated rider 2 out
held up, mainly last, closer 3 out, progress into 2nd 2 out, soon ridden, pressed winner from last, just held close home
Bog Warrior makes his long awaited comeback after his injury in the World Hurdle and Tony Martin's classy performer reverts to fences though escapes a penalty for his Grade 1 victory at Fairyhouse in 2011. Willie Mullins had four entered and relies on TURBAN, who won the Dan Moore Handicap at Fairyhouse in very impressive style. This will be his first attempt at Grade company but he looks a smart prospect and can take the step-up in his stride. Aupcharlie has left the champion trainer for Henry De Bromhead, who will need to get him back on track but would have every chance on his narrow defeat in the Grade 1 Topaz at Leopardstown just over a year ago. Rathlin completed a hat-trick in lesser company early last summer and his two recent starts should have put him straight. Argocat might well have won the Grade 2 Powers Irish Whiskey Chase at Down Royal in November but for falling at the last. That could have affected his confidence as he ran poorly in the Kinloch Brae at Thurles last month.
Argocat (IRE) 5-1 (11-8) Held up towards rear, ridden 4 out, no impression before next, 6th of 7, 20l behind Texas Jack (11-8) at Thurles 2m 4f chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Jan.
Aupcharlie (IRE) 6-4 (11-12) Soon raced in touch, last of the 3, 2nd before 2 out where challenged when mistake, ridden and almost on terms when fell last, in a race won by Grey Gold (11-12) at Punchestown 2m 2f nov chs hvy in Apr, 3 ran.
Bog Warrior (IRE) 8-1 (11-10) Led after 1st, driven and hard pressed between last 2, headed and in 3rd when blundered last, weakened flat, 5th of 13, 10l behind Solwhit (11-10) at Cheltenham 3m hdl G1 (1) gs in Mar.
Turban (FR) 11-2 (11-2) Mid-division, headway into close 4th 3 out, improved to lead from next, ridden clear before last, stayed on well run-in, comfortably, won at Fairyhouse 2m 1f sft in Jan beating Competitive Edge (10-12) by 6l, 13 ran.
Rathlin 10-1 (11-10) Held up in 3rd, slight mistake 8th, 4th before 3 out where ridden, kept on one pace, moderate 3rd last, just held 3rd at line, 3rd of 4, 28l behind Arvika Ligeonniere (11-12) at Punchestown 2m chs G2 (1) hvy.
