tracked leaders in 3rd, 2nd 5 out, improved to lead before 2 out where bad mistake and unseated rider
led, headed before 2 out, left in lead again 2 out, ridden entering straight, headed before last, no extra and kept on same pace
settled behind leaders, 4th halfway, left 3rd 2 out, ridden entering straight, stayed on to challenge last, disputed run-in, no extra close home
settled behind leaders, 5th halfway, headway in 3rd 3 out, left 2nd 2 out, travelled well entering straight, led before last, ridden and challenged last, disputed run-in, just prevailed close home
chased leader in 2nd, 3rd 5 out where slight mistake, mistake 3 out and dropped to rear, weakened and tailed off
mistake 1st, held up in last, 5th 3 out, left 4th 2 out, ridden and no impression, kept on one pace
Willie Mullins nominated this as the target for FLAT OUT after a mightily impressive chasing debut by the six-year-old over 2m4f here a couple of weeks ago. This is very much tougher but this hurdling Grade 1 runner-up has the potential to go to the top. Realt Dubh has already earned his spurs at this level having beaten Noble Prince over the C&D at the end of last month when Saludos, who was just in front but about to be tackled by the winner, fell at the last and gets a quick opportunity to gain compensation. Mr Cracker has jumped superbly for his three victories over fences, all at Limerick over 2m4f on testing ground. He'll ensure a strong gallop here which should play into the hands of the selection.
Flat Out (FR) 11-10fav (11-9) Made all, clear before 2 out, bad mistake last, kept on, easily, won at Punchestown 2m 4f beg chase hvy beating Ad Idem (11-12) by 13l, 14 ran.
Mr Cracker (IRE) 9-4 (11-6) Soon led and made virtually all, jumped well, in command when left well clear 2 out, stayed on well, easily, won at Limerick 2m 3f nov chs (1) in Dec beating C'est Ca (11-6) by dis, 4 ran.
Noble Prince (GER) 5-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders in 6th, close up 3 out, ridden next, 4th early straight, left 3rd last, stayed on, 2nd of 8, 5l behind Realt Dubh (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 1f nov chs Grade 1 (4yo+) (1) sft in Dec.
Realt Dubh (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, mostly 3rd, close 5th 3 out, smooth headway after 2 out, 2nd and closing when left in lead last, stayed on well, won at Leopardstown 2m 1f nov chs Grade 1 (4yo+) (1) sft in Dec beating Noble Prince (11-12) by 5l, 8 ran.
Saludos (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Led, joined briefly 3 out, led again before 2 out, soon ridden, strongly pressed when fell last, in a race won by Realt Dubh (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 1f nov chs Grade 1 (4yo+) (1) sft in Dec, 8 ran.
Shirley Casper (IRE) 6-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders on inner, 4th halfway, close 5th entering straight, kept on one pace without threatening principals, 4th of 10, 8l behind Rahan De Marcigny (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 1f beg chase sft.
Tramp Stamp (IRE) 8-1 (10-11) Held up in rear, in touch travelling well 4 out, pushed along after next, ridden to go 4th after 2 out, kept on one pace without threatening principals, 3rd of 7, 11l behind Blazing Tempo (11-4) at Punchestown 2m mares nov chs Grade 3 (1) hvy in Dec.
