chased leaders, 6th halfway, pushed along and no impression after 4 out, no threat from 2 out
chased leaders, 3rd halfway, closer 3 out and ridden in 2nd entering straight, led before last, under pressure and edged left run-in, kept on
chased leaders, 4th halfway, some progress 3 out, pushed along and no impression approaching last, under pressure and kept on well run-in, not reach winner
tracked leader in 2nd, disputed 7th, headed 9th, slight mistake 4 out, ridden entering straight and challenged before last, under pressure and kept on one pace run-in, short of room and dropped to 3rd closing stages
led, jumped slightly right, joined 7th, led again from 9th, ridden and headed before last, under pressure and no impression run-in, kept on one pace
chased leaders, 5th halfway, slight mistake 12th, pushed along and no impression 3 out, no extra in straight
The entries are dominated by Willie Mullins, who hasn't won this in the past 15 years, with half of the six runners. Don Poli is the obvious first pick of the stable's trio after last season's brilliant exploits highlighted by his victory in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham and he looked back to his very best at Aintree three weeks ago where he beat Grand National hero Many Clouds despite his saddle slipping. Bryan Cooper takes the ride for his retained owners with Ruby Walsh on board SIR DES CHAMPS. The latter, once considered a potential champion after his second to Bobs Worth in the 2013 Gold Cup, was returning from a very long break when taking a Listed contest at Thurles last month and with that under his belt he's taken to start making up for lost time at the highest level. Carlingford Lough had Foxrock just behind in the Hennessy here in February when On His Own was around 10 lengths behind and, though well beaten in this a year ago, he generally performs well on the track. First Lieutenant hasn't won since beating Menorah and Silviniaco Conti in the 2013 Betfred Bowl at Aintree.
Carlingford Lough (IRE) 8-1 (11-5) Walked with rest of field for over ten seconds after start, soon raced in moderate 4th, pushed along briefly approaching 5th, closed before 4 out, pushed along again in last approaching straight, soon no extra and eased, left distant 4th from 3 out, 4th of 5, dist behind Arctic Fire (11-5) at Navan 2m 4f (1) Yielding - Soft in Nov.
Don Poli (IRE) 6-5fav (11-5) Tracked leaders, went 2nd before 15th, challenged 3 out, led flat, stayed on well (saddle had slipped badly backwards), won at Aintree 3m 1f lst (1) sft in Dec beating Many Clouds (11-10) by 4l, 4 ran.
First Lieutenant (IRE) 20-1 (10-10) Mid-division until lost place and dropped towards rear 6th, headway before 16th, pushed along chasing leaders before 4 out, stayed on into 2nd approaching the last, no chance with winner, lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 15, 12 1/4l behind Smad Place (11-4) at Newbury 3m 2f hcp (1) sft in Nov.
Foxrock (IRE) 8-1 (11-10) Held up towards rear, closer before 5th where slow and soon towards rear again, reminder 6th, pushed along before 4 out, ridden and no impression before 3 out, weakened, 6th of 7, dist behind Djakadam (11-10) at Punchestown 2m 4f (1) hvy in Dec.
On His Own (IRE) 8-1 (11-8) Held up towards rear, not fluent 3rd, ridden 19th, fell next, at Cheltenham 3m 6f (2) gs in Dec.
Sir Des Champs (FR) 11-10fav (11-0) Held up in 4th, slightly impeded and left poor 3rd from 9th, pushed along approaching straight, moderate 2nd from before 2 out, closed from between last 2, led before last, eased away run-in, won at Thurles 2m 6f lst (1) sft in Nov beating Rubi Light (11-7) by 2 3/4l, 6 ran.
