tracked leader in 2nd, took closer order approaching 2 out, soon ridden to challenge, led last, kept on well under pressure, all out
held up in touch, close 5th approaching 2 out, soon no extra
attempted to make all, keen early, ridden and strongly pressed from 2 out, headed when slight mistake last, kept on under pressure
held up in touch, close 4th approaching 2 out, soon ridden and one pace
tracked leaders in 3rd, tended to jump slightly right, 3 lengths down and pushed along entering straight, ridden after last, no impression until ran on well last 100 yards
Four-year-olds have a cracking record in this and the only representative from the age group here, ZAIDPOUR, should carry on the tradition. Willie Mullins' French-bred, a winner at Longchamp last year, has made a stunning start to his new career with impressive victories in a Punchestown maiden and the Grade 1 Royal Bond at Fairyhouse where he routed a very strong field which included today's rival Perfect Smile. It will be a major surprise if he is beaten here though Hidden Cyclone should provide a test. The unbeaten five-year-old looked potentially high-class when easily accounting for Hazeymm in a Navan Grade 3 last time and has plenty more to offer. First Lieutenant will have to do much better than his latest offering behind Aughnacurravee at Fairyhouse if he's to test the principals.
First Lieutenant (IRE) 8-11fav (11-10) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, lost place before 5 out where moderate 6th, ridden into 5th 2 out, no impression in 4th last, kept on same pace run-in, 3rd of 9, 8l behind Aughnacurraveel (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f nh nov hdl in Nov.
Hazeymm (IRE) 11-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, good headway to go 2nd after 3 out, ridden and no extra from 2 out, 13th of 16, 15l behind Asigh Pearl (10-4) at Fairyhouse 2m hcp hdl sft.
Hidden Cyclone (IRE) 13-8fav (11-1) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, improved to challenge 3 out, led travelling well before 2 out, slight mistake 2 out, ridden before last, kept on strongly, comfortably, won at Navan 2m nov hdl Grd 3 (1) sft in Nov beating Hazeymm (11-5) by 6l, 8 ran.
Perfect Smile (IRE) 6-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders in 4th, headway to lead travelling well after 3 out, pressed next, headed before last, no chance with winner, kept on one pace, 3rd of 6, 14l behind Zaidpour (11-7) at Fairyhouse 2m nov hdl Grade 1 (1) sft.
Zaidpour (FR) 4-7fav (11-7) Held up on inner, close 5th 3 out, smooth headway to challenge when mistake 2 out, soon recovered and effortless progress to lead before last, drew clear on the bridle run-in, impressive, won at Fairyhouse 2m nov hdl Grade 1 (1) sft beating Pineau De Re (11-10) by 12l, 6 ran.
