prominent, tracked leader, 3rd and slight mistake 4 out, 4th and slight mistake next, no extra in rear after 2 out, soon weakened, eased in straight, tailed off
chased leaders in 4th, fell 3rd
chased leaders, headway to lead after 6th, ridden entering straight and strongly pressed last, soon headed, under pressure and no impression on winner, kept on one pace
chased leaders, 4th halfway and closer 4 out, went 3rd next, pushed along and close up on inner when hampered approaching straight, 4th and no impression before last, soon no extra
soon led, slow 6th and headed, 2nd and mistake 3 out, ridden entering straight and no impression in 3rd before last, no extra run-in
in rear, closer 4 out and 4th next, headway on outer entering straight, pushed along to challenge last and soon led, ridden and kept on well run-in
Darver Star, five-times a winner over hurdles and third in this year's Champion Hurdle, made a big impression on his chasing bow at Punchestown but couldn't handle FELIX DESJY in a Grade 2 on a return visit when Benruben was a long way behind in fourth. The winner jumped well and looked a cracking prospect that day so it will take a top performance to beat him. Embittered, third in the County Hurdle at Cheltenham, has come up against very smart winners in his two runs over fences though that is likely to be the case again here. Willie Mullins is represented by Blackbow, who made all for a very convincing debut success over fences at Navan, and Franco De Port, who looked a natural chaser at Thurles where he won with plenty in the tank.
Benruben (IRE) 11-1 (11-9) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, 5th 4 out, 3rd and pushed along after next, no extra after 2 out, 4th of 7, 25 3/4l behind Felix Desjy (11-6) at Punchestown 2m (1) Soft - Heavy in Nov.
Blackbow (IRE) 5-2 (12-0) Made all, 5 lengths lead halfway, veered left 7th, reduced advantage early straight, slight mistake 2 out, travelled well and big jump last, drew clear run-in, easily, won at Navan 2m 1f sft in Nov beating Entoucas (12-0) by 4 1/4l, 14 ran.
Darver Star (IRE) 11-10fav (11-6) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, slight mistake 7th, pushed along and no impression before 2 out, moderate 3rd approaching last, kept on one pace, 3rd of 7, 9 3/4l behind Felix Desjy (11-6) at Punchestown 2m (1) Soft - Heavy in Nov.
Embittered (IRE) 7-4 (11-2) Waited with, in touch in last, a little keen, closed up 5th to track leader, effort and slight mistake 2 out, slight mistake last, no extra and one pace run-in, 2nd of 3, 3l behind Andy Dufresne (11-2) at Navan 2m 1f (1) sft in Dec.
Felix Desjy (FR) 13-8 (11-6) Led, jumped left 3rd and 4th, headed before 5 out, 2nd and pushed along early straight, headway approaching last and led again run-in, kept on well, won at Punchestown 2m (1) Soft - Heavy in Nov beating Sizing Pottsie (11-9) by 1 3/4l, 7 ran.
Franco De Port (FR) 8-15fav (12-0) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, left 2nd 4 out, challenged and slight mistake 2 out, soon pushed along and led entering straight, ridden approaching last, kept on well run-in, won at Thurles 2m 2f sft in Nov beating Whatsnotoknow (12-0) by 6 1/2l, 13 ran.
