ZAIDPOUR was hugely impressive when landing the Royal Bond so it was a big shock when he was beaten by First Lieutenant in the Future Champions here. His trainer suggested the race may have come too soon and he can return to winning ways, especially as the extra two furlongs will suit. Hidden Universe has always looked a potential star at this game and the Grade 1 bumper winner oozed class when beating Joe Smooth in a maiden here in December. This is obviously a huge step-up in class but he could be anything. Oscars Well already has a Grade 1 to his name, at Navan in December, but that wasn't that classiest of events and the placed horses have been well beaten subsequently. Shot From The Hip was well behind Hidden Universe in a bumper but has gradually improved and beat Endless Intrigue nicely here last time.
Cottrelsbooley (IRE) Evensfav (11-12) Made all, clear to 3 out, edged clear again after 2 out, ran on well from last, not fully extended, won at Leopardstown 2m mdn hdl hvy in Dec beating Buck Barrow (11-12) by 5l, 17 ran.
Endless Intrigue (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, not fluent 2nd, 5th halfway, 3rd and progress approaching 2 out, 2nd when slight mistake last, kept on same pace under pressure, 2nd of 15, 3 1/2l behind Shot From The Hip (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 2f mdn hdl sft in Dec.
Far Away So Close (IRE) 18-1 (11-7) Always in last pair, jumped slowly 5th, outpaced and no chance soon after, eased after last, tailed off, last of 7, well behind Cue Card (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m nov hdl G2 (1) gd in Nov.
Old McDonald 8-1 (11-12) Held up, progress into 9th 4 out, smooth progress after 3 out, led 2 out, ridden clear before last, kept on well, comfortably, won at Naas 2m 3f mdn hdl in Jan beating Jetson (11-12) by 4 1/2l, 25 ran.
Oscars Well (IRE) 9-4 (11-10) Settled 4th, improved in 3rd 3 out, travelled well to lead 2 out, kept on strongly from before last, easily, won at Navan 2m 4f nov hdl Grade 1 (1) sft in Dec beating Sweet Shock (11-10) by 8l, 6 ran.
Shot From The Hip (GER) 11-10fav (11-12) Always prominent, led from 3rd, edged clear travelling well after 2 out, slight mistake last, ridden and kept on well, comfortably, won at Leopardstown 2m 2f mdn hdl sft in Dec beating Endless Intrigue (11-12) by 3 1/2l, 15 ran.
Hidden Universe (IRE) 4-11fav (11-7) Made all jumped slightly right throughout, drew clear from last, not extended, very easily, won at Leopardstown 2m 4yo mdn hdl sft in Dec beating Joe Smooth (11-7) by 4l, 21 ran.
Si C'etait Vrai (FR) 11-4 (11-0) Chased leader in 2nd, slight mistake 1st, ridden to challenge entering straight, no extra in 3rd before last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 5, 5l behind Hidden Cyclone (11-6) at Leopardstown 2m 4f nov hdl Grade 2 (1) sft in Jan.
The Bull Hayes (IRE) 5-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, 4th on outer 3 out, headway to lead entering straight, driven clear before last, ridden out on run-in and stayed on well, won at Leopardstown 2m mdn hdl sft in Jan beating Ballyburke (11-12) by 12l, 20 ran.
Zaidpour (FR) 1-4fav (11-7) Tracked leaders in 3rd, tended to jump slightly right, 3 lengths down and pushed along entering straight, ridden after last, no impression until ran on well last 100 yards, 2nd of 5, 1/2l behind First Lieutenant (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m nov hdl Grade 1 (1) hvy in Dec.
