tracked leaders, a little keen, went 2nd after 4 out, on terms next, led 2 out, strongly pressed last, ridden and headed over 100 yards out, kept on same pace
prominent, soon tracked leaders, slight mistake 5th, ridden and no impression in 7th after 3 out, kept on one pace
prominent, led after 1st, slow jump and joined 3rd, headed 4 out, ridden and no impression in 5th before 2 out, kept on one pace
tracked leaders, raced keenly, disputed from 3rd, led 4 out until joined next, pushed along before 2 out where slight mistake and headed, 3rd and no impression run-in, kept on one pace
mid-division, ridden and no impression 3 out, kept on one pace
held up towards rear, a little keen, 5th 3 out, pushed along in 4th before next, ridden after 2 out, closer and disputed 3rd at last, led over 100 yards out, kept on well under hands and heels
held up towards rear, a little keen, not fluent 3rd, slight mistake 4th and soon pushed along, reminder in rear after next, ridden and no impression from 3 out, kept on one pace
held up in rear, slight mistake 2nd, ridden and no impression in moderate 6th before 2 out, kept on one pace
chased leaders, raced keenly, 4th when mistake 3 out, 3rd before next, pushed along and switched right before last, no impression run-in, kept on one pace
The filly MIGHTY BLUE is of interest on her hurdling debut. A winner on the Flat in France and at the Curragh, her narrow defeat in a Group 3 on the latter track in September suggests she could take advantage of the 14lb she receives from Galopin Des Champs, a winner over 2m2f at Auteuil in May. Sea Ducor, another Flat winner, couldn't get close to Aspire Tower on his hurdling debut at Punchestown but the subsequent exploits of the winner has given the form a mighty boost. Hazran will need to step up from his Wexford victory but Patience Patience won easily at Cork and has much more to offer. Shakespeare's Word has done well in bumpers but faces a stiff task on his hurdling bow.
Galopin Des Champs (FR) (10-7) won at Auteuil 2m 2f sft in May beating Gold Allen (10-7) by 2 1/2l, 18 ran.
Hazran (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Prominent early, led from 2nd and made rest, ridden from 2 out, stayed on well run-in, reduced advantage close home, won at Wexford 2m mdn sft in Oct beating Homme D'un Soir (11-9) by 1/2l, 11 ran.
Patience Patience (IRE) 7-2 (11-9) Prominent, bumped with rival 1st, soon disputed lead, headed after 3rd, led again from 4th, slightly bumped with rival 3 out, asserted from 2 out, stayed on well run-in, easily, won at Cork 2m mdn sft in Nov beating Barney Stinson (11-9) by 3 1/2l, 16 ran.
Get My Drift (FR) 25-1 (11-4) Mid-division, closer in 4th at 7th, close 4th on outer entering straight, ridden in 3rd 2 out, kept on same pace in 3rd run-in, 3rd of 11, 2 1/2l behind Hazran (11-4) at Wexford 2m mdn sft in Oct.
Pictures Of Home 40-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, took keen hold, ridden in moderate 6th 3 out, no impression, 6th of 11, 23 3/4l behind Hazran (11-4) at Wexford 2m mdn sft in Oct.
Sea Ducor 11-4 (11-0) Mid-division, headway 4 out, went 5th 3 out, 2nd travelling well entering straight, ridden before last, no impression on winner approaching last, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 2nd of 15, 13l behind Aspire Tower (11-0) at Punchestown 2m mdn sft in Nov.
Shakespeare's Word 2-1fav (11-12) Chased leaders towards outer, 4th halfway, pushed along in 3rd over 2f out, ridden in 2nd entering straight, on terms and every chance under 1f out, headed final 100 yards, kept on same pace, not match winner, 2nd of 8, 2 3/4l behind Gordon Dai Dai (11-12) at Galway 2m sft in Oct.
Wasdale Park (FR) Motivator gelding out of Baklava.
Mighty Blue (FR) 7-2 (9-8) Missed break, raced in rear, 13th halfway, came wide entering straight, slightly hampered 1 1/2f out, ridden and progress 1f out, kept on to 4th closing stages, never nearer, 4th of 14, 6 1/4l behind Barrington Court (9-8) at Naas 1m 4f lst fll stks (1) sft in Oct.
