held up towards rear on inside, smooth headway on outside from 2f out, tracked leader entering final furlong, pushed along and quickened to lead final 50 yards, readily
raced wide towards rear, under pressure 3f out, struggling over 2f out
chased leaders, pushed along 3f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong, not pace to trouble principals
chased leader until entering final furlong, weakened inside final furlong
soon in touch on outer, pushed along halfway, weakened over 2f out
steadied well in rear after start, never a factor after
started slowly, soon pushed alond in rear, headway on inside 2f out, stayed on into 3rd inside final furlong, not pace to reach leading duo
chased leading pair, led well over 1f out, ridden and kept on until headed and not pace of winner final 50 yards
led until well over 1f out, chased leader until entering final furlong, weakend inside final furlong
A race that revolves around STARLUCK. He looks the type to revel now returned to the flat for a prep run for Cheltenham and he can beat Jesse James and Cry Of Freedom to the prize. Liam Keniry takes the ride today on the Champion Hurdle hope and he will no doubt be under instructions to produce him on the line as he does little once hitting the front. Although his previous Irish form at Dundalk was nothing special, his exploits over hurdles since have been pretty special and whilst this obviously isn't the be-all-and-end-all, he should still win. Councellor was beaten behind Vainglory here in January but is better off at the weights today, Cry Of Freedom represents an in-form stable and looks potentially very-well handicapped, whilst Thunderball is considered off his light weight. Jesse James is interesting after a break as he signed off in good nick on the turf in the Autumn and is not to be ruled out, especially if the market signs are positive. Wise Dennis is 20lb lower than when racing in Dubai a year ago, whilst Gaily Noble has more on his plate here as he steps up in grade. An interesting contest, with Starluck fancied to oblige.
Starluck (IRE) 12-1 (9-1) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, headway to 2nd 2f out, ridden in 2nd over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 5th of 10, 2l behind Whispering Wind (9-2) at Leopardstown 1m 4f hcp gf in Jul '08.
Councellor (FR) 7-1 (9-1) Towards rear, stayed on from 1f out, 2nd of 8, 2l behind Vainglory (8-8) at Kempton 1m hcp 0-95 (3) pol in Jan.
Vainglory (USA) 7-2fav (8-6) Mid-division, ridden when hampered on bend 2f out, never dangerous, 8th of 12, 4 1/2l behind Mahadee (9-4) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Feb.
Jesse James (IRE) 3-1fav (9-9) In touch, ridden over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 1 1/2l behind Kaolak (10-0) at Goodwood 1m hcp 0-85 (4) gf in Sep.
Cry of Freedom (USA) 16-1 (8-5) Tracked leader, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, 10th of 12, 9l behind Mahadee (9-4) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Feb.
Hazzard County (USA) 5-2 (9-2) Keen and held up, in touch, went 3rd halfway, ridden 2f out, weakened final furlong, last of 6, 9l behind December Draw (9-1) at Lingfield 1m 2f hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Feb.
Wise Dennis 20-1 (8-12) Slowly in to stride, always in rear, last of 13, 40l behind Sovereign Remedy (8-12) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-100 (2) fbs in Oct.
Gaily Noble (IRE) 5-1 (9-4) Chased leaders, weakened well over 1f out, 6th of 8, 11l behind Tin Cha Woody (8-8) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-80 (4) fbs in Feb.
Thunderball 3-1 (9-0) Raced wide in touch, effort 2f out , ridden and no extra inside final furlong, 6th of 9, 3l behind Alfresco (8-6) at Lingfield 1m hcp 0-85 (4) pol in Feb.
