CHAMPAGNE AGENT arrived here with a big reputation at Christmas and started favourite but couldn't cope with Star Neuville. The winner got first run on him that day but Willie Mullins' charge stayed on well and will have learnt plenty. Caolaneoin wasn't particularly fancied on his debut at Fairyhouse last month but produced a fine effort to get close to the long odds-on Lovethehigherlaw and will surely improve for the run. Really Unique showed little between the flags but has made good progress in bumpers and wasn't far behind Fasolo at Cork last time. Newcomers Saluting and Canadian Diamond have plenty of winners in their pedigree and are interesting for the future.
Hi Big Man (IRE) Bob Back gelding out of Starry Lady.
Jay Cee Alexander (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden in 6th 5f out, soon no extra, 6th of 8, 29l behind Mart Lane (11-7) at Leopardstown 2m N H flat sft in Jan.
Really Unique (IRE) 9-4fav (11-7) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, close 3rd entering straight, went 2nd over 1f out, kept on under pressure final furlong without matching winner, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Fasolo (11-12) at Cork 2m N H flat sft in Jan.
Badger Daly (IRE) Celtic Swing gelding out of Brittas Blues.
Caolaneoin (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, headway into 5th entering straight, ridden to challenge 2f out, led 1 1/2f out, strongly pressed over 1f out, headed final 150 yards, no extra and kept on same pace, 2nd of 12, 2l behind Lovethehigherlaw (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m N H flat hvy in Jan.
Champagne Agent (IRE) 15-8fav (11-11) Settled in mid-division, 7th halfway, 5th approaching straight, ridden into 2nd 2f out, kept on well under pressure without reaching winner, 2nd of 11, 4l behind Star Neuville (11-4) at Leopardstown 2m NH flat in Dec.
Giant's Quest (AUS) Giant's Causeway gelding out of Rushing Wind.
Saluting (IRE) Presenting gelding out of Seymourswift.
Tide Runner 50-1 (11-0) In rear, some modest late headway, 14th of 21, 33l behind Wandering Aengus (11-7) at Punchestown 2m 4yo nhf gd in Oct.
Canadian Diamond (IRE) Halling gelding out of Six Nations.
Kauto Mill Rose (FR) Bonbon Rose filly out of Kauto D'ebene.
