soon raced in 3rd, mistake 2nd, mistake and unseated rider next
hit 1st and unseated rider
soon tracked leader, on terms 4th, soon led, still travelling smoothly and about a length up when fell last
soon led, joined 4th, soon headed and tracked leader, not fluent 5th, pushed along from before straight, about a length down when left alone last
Willie Mullins, who has won the last two with Un De Sceaux and Douvan, saddles two in the hope of a hat-trick. Royal Caviar did well enough over hurdles but looks a natural over the bigger obstacles after a brilliant round of jumping at Thurles. He's facing much stiffer opposition this time but it wouldn't be a shock if he jumped his rivals into the ground. His stable companion Bleu Et Rouge was a better hurdler having won a Grade 1 novices' event here in February. He also made a good impression on his chasing bow on this track though he made several errors in the early part of the race before staying on strongly and he won't get away with such mishaps here. Henry De Bromhead supplies the other two runners but it's difficult to know what to make of IDENTITY THIEF. The 2015 Fighting Fifth winner had looked a superb recruit to fences until taking on Min here last month where a couple of mistakes put paid to him though he is reported to have finished lame so hopefully can bounce back. Some Plan may have won a Grade 2 at Cheltenham before an easy victory at Naas and with more to come he has to be greatly respected.
Bleu Et Rouge (FR) 6-4fav (11-12) Settled behind leaders, mistake 3rd, slightly slow 5th and soon mid-division, left 6th and slightly hampered 2 out, pushed along entering straight, stayed on into 4th last, ridden and ran on well run-in to lead close home, won at Leopardstown 2m 3f Yielding in Dec beating Gangster (11-12) by 3/4l, 11 ran.
Identity Thief (IRE) 7-4 (11-12) Prominent, not fluent 3rd and not jump well after, pulled up after 5th, at Leopardstown 2m 1f (1) Yielding in Dec.
Royal Caviar (IRE) 4-7fav (11-12) Led, 4 lengths clear 4 out, reduced advantage 3 out, travelled well 2 out, asserted before last, eased run-in, easily, won at Thurles 2m 2f sft in Dec beating Keppols Queen (11-5) by 5 1/2l, 12 ran.
Some Plan (IRE) 7-1 (11-8) Soon tracked leader, on terms after 2nd, led before 4th, still travelling smoothly straight, pushed along from 2 out, stayed on best run-in, won at Naas 2m sft in Jan beating Road To Respect (11-8) by 5 1/2l, 4 ran.
