in touch in last, attempted to run out briefly at 2nd and not fluent, disputed 2nd briefly at 3rd and 5th, mistake 7th, ridden before 2 out, soon no impression
made all, took keen hold early, slight mistake 2 out and soon went clear, stayed on strongly run-in, not extended
tracked leader in 2nd, joined for 2nd briefly at 3rd and 5th, ridden from 2 out and soon no impression on winner, kept on same pace run-in, not trouble winner
UN DE SCEAUX lost his long unbeaten record when falling at Thurles in November but made amends with a demolition job of Smashing, who did the form no harm when scoring by a distance at Gowran on Thursday, at Fairyhouse. Willie Mullins' charge is the current short-priced favourite for the Arkle but faces stiff opposition from his two rivals here. Although beaten by Vautour on his chasing debut, Clarcam has shown himself to be a high-class novice with an easy victory at Navan and in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novice Chase on this track where he completely reversed form with Vautour. He's an exciting prospect as is Gilgamboa, who though left clear at the last when landing a Grade 2 at Limerick last month would have won easily anyway - his quick jumping will ensure he gives a good account.
Gilgamboa (IRE) 7-4fav (11-4) Chased leaders and raced mainly in 3rd, improved to challenge approaching 2 out and soon led, left clear after last, easily, won at Limerick 2m 3f nov chs Grade 2 (1) in Dec beating Perfect Gentleman (11-7) by 24l, 7 ran.
Un De Sceaux (FR) 1-5fav (11-12) Made all, took keen hold and soon clear, left well clear from 5th, reduced lead from before 3 out, in command from after next, stayed on well run-in, easily, won at Fairyhouse 2m beg chs sft in Dec beating Smashing (11-9) by 12l, 16 ran.
Clarcam (FR) 8-1 (11-1) Tracked leaders, soon 3rd, on terms 8th, led travelling smoothly before straight, soon clear, stayed on well run-in, easily, won at Leopardstown 2m 1f nov chs Grade 1 (4yo+) (1) sft in Dec beating Ted Veale (11-12) by 17l, 6 ran.
