led until slow 1st and headed, slow again 2nd, soon 3rd, ridden along from 5 out, no impression on leaders from next, left remote 2nd 2 out
always last, struggling and ridden along from 5th, trailing from halfway, left remote 3rd 2 out
soon led and made virtually all, jumped well, in command when left well clear 2 out, stayed on well, easily
raced 2nd on outer, ridden along in 2nd from 3 out, no impression on winner when fell next
A tight little race. Mr Cracker is a progressive type who will be difficult to beat. Michael Hourigan's charge made a winning start over fences here and put a lack-lustre run at Cork behind him when returning to this C&D and comfortably beating Son Of Oscar. The Hurl may have been a little fortunate at Thurles but that was only his second start over fences and he'll improve but so will KAKAGH and it's he who gets the nod. The lightly-raced six-year-old was having only his fourth ever start when beating Lucky William over the minimum at Naas in October and looked certain to appreciate today's longer trip. He had Loup Du Saubouas behind on that occasion and the latter was subsequently too good for C'Est Ca which suggests Willie Mullins' charge has plenty to do.
C'est Ca 15-8fav (11-12) Close up, 4th 4 out, 3rd next, ridden after 2 out, 4th and no extra approaching last, one pace, 5th of 12, 4l behind Loup Du Saubouas (11-12) at Naas 2m beg chs sft in Nov.
Kakagh (IRE) 7-1 (11-12) Always prominent, challenged on stand's side straight, stayed on well run-in to lead near finish, won at Naas 2m beg chs sft in Oct beating Lucky William (11-12) by 1l, 12 ran.
Mr Cracker (IRE) 5-2 (11-9) Led from 2nd, jumped well, ridden and strongly pressed when left clear 2 out, stayed on well, won at Limerick 2m 3f nov chs sft in Nov beating Son Of Oscar (11-4) by 9l, 6 ran.
The Hurl (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Chased leader, clear of remainder, close up and every chance when left in lead and clear 3 out, stayed on well straight, won at Thurles 2m 2f beg chs in Nov beating Roi Du Mee (11-12) by 10l, 16 ran.
