tracked leader in 2nd on outer, 3rd after 7th, weakened before 2 out, no extra
made all, travelled well entering straight, stayed on strongly, impressive
held up 3rd, mistake 5th, 2nd after 7th, ridden after 2 out, no impression on leader before last, kept on same pace
ran 4th, detached and not fluent 7th, no impression, no extra before 2 out where mistake
WATER SPRITE, a winner at Clonmel in February, ran well enough in the Mares' Novices' Hurdle at Cheltenham to suggest she should take care of these rivals without too much trouble. She's 9lb clear of Marygale Bridge on official ratings but the latter would have a chance on her defeat of Myztique at Limerick, though she was well beaten in a Grade 3 there later. Fu's Island has won twice, both on good ground which she won't get here though she should still take care of High Nellie, who was 13 lengths behind her at Gowran last October. Indian Fairy completes the line-up but she's much better over fences.
Fu's Island (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, moderate 5th from 6th, closed approaching next, pushed along on outer to track leaders into straight, 4th 2 out, soon no impression, no extra approaching last where slight mistake, 4th of 6, 23 1/4l behind Lift The Latch (11-7) at Gowran Park 2m sft in Mar.
Indian Fairy (IRE) 5-1cfav (11-3) Tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden 3 out, weakened, 8th of 11, 29l behind Elusive Ivy (11-8) at Punchestown 2m 4f hcp hvy in Jan.
Water Sprite (IRE) 100-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, pushed along after 5th, headway 2 out, 6th and one pace last, 6th of 16, 12 1/4l behind Limini (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m 1f (1) gd in Mar.
High Nellie (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) Towards rear, 6th before 3 out, went 5th before straight, soon pushed along, chased leaders 2 out, soon no impression, one pace, 4th of 9, 12 3/4l behind Fu's Island (11-5) at Gowran Park 2m 4f mdn gd in Oct.
Marygale Bridge (IRE) 13-2 (10-12) Mid-division, progress to 5th before 9th, 4th before 4 out, dropped to moderate 5th after 4 out, no extra, 5th of 11, dist behind Barnahash Rose (10-12) at Limerick 2m 6f (1) hvy in Mar.
