settled in 5th, slight mistake 3 out, ridden from next, no impression approaching last, kept on one pace
tracked leaders in 2nd, pushed along and dropped to 3rd before 2 out, soon no extra
tracked leaders in 4th, 3rd 4 out, smooth headway to dispute approaching 2 out, slight advantage last, ridden and kept on well run-in
tracked leaders racing keenly in 3rd, slight mistake 3rd, in touch when mistake 2 out, soon no extra, eased when beaten run-in
led, mistake 4th, strongly pressed and joined approaching 2 out, narrowly headed last, no extra and weakened run-in
held up in rear, good headway after 2 out, challenged between horses at last, ridden and kept on run-in, not match winner
BIG GAME HUNTER will appreciate returning to this sort of level after racing against much stiffer opposition including the exciting So Young at Punchestown a month ago. He can return to winning ways here though Canaly will prove a tough opponent. Dessie Hughes' charge landed some nice bets when beating Johnny McGeeney at Fairyhouse and should be even better if the ground dries out. Monastrell unshipped his rider in a chase at Down Royal in December but had beaten the consistent Gift Of Dgab over hurdles there earlier and must be a threat, while Sweeney Tunes looked suited by a test of stamina when scoring over 2m4f on heavy ground at Navan.
Ballyholland (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Chased leaders on inside, outpaced 25th (valentine's), behind when pulled up before 3 out, in a race won by Don't Push It (11-5) at Aintree 4m 4f hcp chs G3 (1) gd in Apr, 40 ran.
Big Game Hunter (IRE) 8-1 (11-11) Led, strongly pressed 2 out, driven along and headed before last, kept on one pace but no chance with winner, 2nd of 6, 5l behind So Young (11-11) at Punchestown 2m nov hdl hvy in Feb.
Canaly (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, 6th halfway, headway into 3rd entering straight, challenged 2 out, soon led, ridden and strongly pressed before last, disputed run-in, prevailed close home, won at Fairyhouse 2m mdn hdl sft in Jan beating Johnny McGeeney (11-12) by shd, 16 ran.
Monastrell 7-2 (11-5) Led, headed before 3rd, 2nd halfway, ridden 3 out, challenged in 2nd 2 out, no extra in 3rd when mistake and unseated rider last, in a race won by Tharawaat (11-12) at Down Royal 2m 4f beg chs hvy in Dec, 10 ran.
Sweeney Tunes 14-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, headway in 3rd 3 out, challenged 2 out, switched right and ridden to lead before last, strongly pressed last, kept on well under pressure run-in, won at Navan 2m 4f mdn hdl hvy in Feb beating Dantes King (11-12) by 3/4l, 18 ran.
Henro Boy (IRE) 6-4fav (11-12) Brought down 1st, in a race won by Garamor Boy (11-4) at Downpatrick 2m 2f mdn hdl sft, 11 ran.
