chased leader in 2nd, left in lead at 4th, 2 lengths lead halfway, pushed along after 2 out, ridden and headed approaching last, no impression on winner run-in, kept on one pace
held up in rear, left 4th at 4th, pushed along and no impression approaching last, ridden and no extra run-in
ran 3rd, left 2nd at 4th, pushed along to close before 2 out, ridden entering straight and no impression in 3rd before last, no extra run-in
settled in 4th, left 3rd at 4th, smooth progress to lead approaching last, ridden and kept on well run-in
led, 3 lengths clear when fell 4th
With Arctic Fire also engaged in tomorrow's Ryanair Hurdle there is a slight doubt surrounding his participation here. Runner-up to Faugheen in the championship events at Cheltenham and Punchestown, he's returned in top form, however, and had Alpha Des Obeaux four lengths behind in the Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse with Snow Falcon the same distance back in fifth. He'd be attempting this trip for the first time if taking part but Alpha Des Obeaux has no problems staying the distance. MARTELLO TOWER (NAP) won the Albert Bartlett over the trip at Cheltenham in such style that he'll be a major player in the World Hurdle. He's won first time out for the past two seasons and he'll be ready for this test so gets the nod. Prince Of Scars is a rapidly improving stayer who is no forlorn hope to make the transition into this exalted company.
Alpha Des Obeaux (FR) 11-2 (11-10) Chased leader. 2nd halfway, challenged 3 out, led entering straight, ridden 2 out, soon disputed, headed before last, no impression on winner and kept on same pace, 2nd of 7, 4l behind Arctic Fire (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f (1) sft in Nov.
Arctic Fire (GER) 4-5fav (11-10) Held up, 5th halfway, closer entering straight, 3rd travelling well before 2 out, led before last, soon asserted, pushed out and kept on strongly run-in, comfortably, won at Fairyhouse 2m 4f (1) sft in Nov beating Alpha Des Obeaux (11-10) by 4l, 7 ran.
Martello Tower (IRE) 14-1 (11-7) Always prominent, ridden and went upsides before last, edged left on landing, soon edged right, led final 75 yards, stayed on gamely, won at Cheltenham 3m (1) sft in Mar beating Milsean (11-7) by 1/2l, 19 ran.
Prince Of Scars (IRE) 9-2 (11-10) Mid-division, slight mistake 4 out, soon progress into 5th, travelled well into 3rd after 3 out, slight mistake 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on to dispute run-in, narrow lead closing stages, all out at line, just held on, won at Navan 2m 7f hcp sft in Nov beating Russian Bill (10-5) by ns, 14 ran.
Snow Falcon (IRE) 16-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, slight mistakes 4th and 7th, 3rd halfway, ridden 3 out, no impression in 4th before 2 out, kept on one pace, 5th from last, 5th of 7, 8l behind Arctic Fire (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f (1) sft in Nov.
