The three bumper winners should have this between them and it looks like the excellent form of Rich Revival and Star Neuville against the potential of SAMAIN and it's the latter who gets the nod. Willie Mullins' charge looked as green as grass when landing the odds at Punchestown a month ago and can make the progress which will be undoubtedly needed against two serious rivals. Rich Revival comfortably landed a Down Royal bumper on his debut in December and was by no means disgraced in a very strong event at Gowran last week when starting favourite. Star Neuville upset the Mullins' hotpot Champagne Agent at Leopardstown with the remainder beaten out of sight and looks a very nice prospect.
Rich Revival (IRE) 7-2fav (12-0) Tracked leaders in 5th, progress 4f out, close 2nd approaching straight, no extra from 2f out, 5th of 12, 6l behind Letter Of Credit (11-9) at Gowran Park 2m N H flat sft in Jan.
Samain (GER) 8-13fav (11-12) Setttled mid-division early, 5th halfway, improved in 3rd 3f out, led entering straight, ridden and challenged over 1f out, kept on well final furlong, won at Punchestown 2m N H flat hvy in Jan beating Cairdin (11-12) by 1 1/4l, 10 ran.
Star Neuville (FR) 7-1 (11-4) Always prominent, 2nd halfway, led 6f out, ridden clear early straight, kept on well under pressure final furlong, won at Leopardstown 2m NH flat in Dec beating Champagne Agent (11-11) by 4l, 11 ran.
Shanlar Sir Harry Lewis gelding out of Dicks Darlin'.
Spiker The Biker (IRE) 11-4fav (11-7) Prominent early, chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden in 6th 3f out, no extra and kept on one pace from over 2f out, 5th of 10, 16l behind Rich Revival (12-0) at Down Royal 2m N H flat hvy in Dec.
Loukaja (IRE) 50-1 (11-0) Towards rear for most, no impression from under 4f out, 17th of 18, well behind Tus Nua (10-9) at Killarney 2m 1f 4yo nhf gd in May.
Memories Of Milan (IRE) 50-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, 10th halfway, no extra and kept on one pace from 2 out, 7th of 24, 34l behind So Young (11-7) at Leopardstown 2m 4f 4yo mdn hdl in Dec.
Yanavita (IRE) Bach gelding out of Fishers Lady.
Baidin Fheilimi (IRE) Snurge mare out of Caher Cross.
