raced 4th, improved to 3rd after 4 out, pushed along into 2nd before 2 out, dropped to 3rd 2 out where bad mistake, soon 4th, no extra
held up 3rd, progress to 2nd at 4th, pushed along after 3 out, soon ridden and weakened to rear before 2 out where not fluent, no extra
tracked leader in 2nd, led narrowly 3rd, soon close 2nd, 3rd at 4th, dropped to 4th after 4 out, pushed along 3 out, no impression before 2 out, moderate 3rd before last, kept on same pace
led, headed 3rd, soon led, travelled well before 2 out, ridden run-in, kept on, strongly pressed and headed closing stages, no extra
rear, pushed along and progress to 3rd before 2 out, driven into 2nd 2 out where bad mistake, ridden and stayed on well run-in, strongly challenged leader, led close home, kept on best
The last four favourites have won this. Slowmotion was purchased from France after scoring at Auteuil in October and has a superb pedigree, though the form of that race hasn't worked out brilliantly. LAGOSTOVEGAS was allowed to take his chance in the Grade 1 Gain Springs Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown but found the task too tough. But his earlier victory over Newberry New at Naas has worked out well and he can get back on the winning trail. Barnacle Bill finished 15 lengths behind Newberry New at Fairyhouse last month so looks up against it as does Never Again, who was 20 lengths behind that winner at Gowran. Le Vagabond has been well beaten in better company after an impressive maiden success at Thurles.
Le Vagabond (FR) 33-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, 6th and not fluent 2 out, soon no impression, weakened, 6th of 8, 36 1/4l behind Apple's Jade (10-5) at Leopardstown 2m (1) hvy in Dec.
Barnacle Bill (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Settled behind leaders, left 3rd at 2nd, slight mistakes 4th and 4 out, ridden 2 out, no impression before last and dropped to 4th, kept on one pace, 4th of 6, 15 1/2l behind Newberry New (11-0) at Fairyhouse 2m (1) hvy in Feb.
Lagostovegas (IRE) 25-1 (10-7) Prominent, mistake 4th, slight mistake next, pushed along 3 out, soon dropped to 6th and no impression, eased approaching straight, pulled up approaching last, at Leopardstown 2m (1) Soft - Heavy in Feb.
Slowmotion (FR) (10-5) won at Auteuil 2m 2f fll sft in Oct beating Bella Donna Borget (10-10) by 4l, 18 ran.
Never Again (IRE) 13-8 (11-0) Tracked leaders, soon 3rd, pushed along approaching straight to chase winner, no impression from 2 out where slight mistake, one pace, 3rd of 15, 19 3/4l behind Newberry New (11-7) at Gowran Park 2m mdn hvy in Feb.
