tracked leader in 2nd, smooth progress to lead approaching last, drew clear run-in, very easily
led, pushed along and four lengths clear before straight, headed approaching last, soon no chance with easy winner, kept on one pace
chased leaders in 3rd, no extra approaching 3 out, weakened
This has been run four times and Willie Mullins has won the last three, all with odds-on chances. FOOTPAD will be a very short price here despite a slightly disappointing run at Leopardstown at Christmas. His earlier easy victory over subsequent winner Lagostovegas suggested much better to come and he should get back to winning ways, Jazz Ranger had shown little on the Flat or in his two runs over hurdles before a surprise victory at Punchestown on New Year's Eve. However, the four who followed him home have all been beaten subsequently so he has plenty to do. Tagg's Island was a moderate maiden for Johnny Murtagh and only rated 56 and is unlikely to trouble the principals on his hurdling debut.
Footpad (FR) 5-2jfav (10-12) Prominent, 3rd from 3rd, closed up before 2 out, pushed along still in 3rd from early straight, no impression from before last, 3rd of 8, 8 1/4l behind Apple's Jade (10-5) at Leopardstown 2m (1) hvy in Dec.
Jazz Ranger (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Raced in close 2nd, led after 3rd, ridden and headed entering straight, rallied to dispute lead at last, improved to lead again inside final furlong, stayed on well close home, won at Punchestown 2m mdn (1) hvy in Dec beating Best Kept Secret (11-0) by 2l, 10 ran.
Tagg's Island (IRE) 16-1 (9-8) Prominent and led after 1f, pushed along and headed 2f out, dropped to 7th 1f out, no extra, 9th of 14, 9 1/4l behind In The Dark (8-12) at Dundalk 1m hcp pol in Dec.
