A classy line-up for this novices' event with Willie Mullins running both Energumene and Blackbow. The former made all for a very impressive victory on his chasing debut at Gowran, with Port Stanley a long way back, and Paul Townend, who was on board that day, sticks with him over the latter, who had an easy debut success over fences at Navan before an early faller in the Grade 1 Racing Post Novices' Chase at Leopardstown. CAPTAIN GUINNESS wasn't right when pulled up on his chasing debut here but there was nothing wrong with his performance at Punchestown a month ago. He's taking on much better company but looks the one to be on. Farmix, a 20 length winner over hurdles in March, battled to victory over fences at Fairyhouse but has much more to do.
Blackbow (IRE) 11-4 (12-0) Chased leaders in 4th, fell 3rd, at Leopardstown 2m 1f (1) Yielding in Dec.
Captain Guinness (IRE) 4-5fav (12-0) Made all, jumped well, pushed along 2 out, clear before last, stayed on well run-in, comfortably, won at Punchestown 2m hvy in Dec beating Midnight Run (12-0) by 4 3/4l, 17 ran.
Energumene (FR) 8-13fav (12-0) Made all, soon clear, slight mistake 6th, mistake 9th, 8 length lead 4 out, kept on well from next, easily, won at Gowran Park 2m 4f hvy in Nov beating Fort Worth Texas (11-7) by 18l, 10 ran.
Farmix (FR) 7-2fav (11-5) Disputed lead, led from 5th, ridden and joined entering straight, led narrowly after 2 out, strongly pressed after last, stayed on well inside final furlong, extended lead close home, won at Fairyhouse 2m hvy in Nov beating Dis Donc (11-5) by 1l, 11 ran.
Montagne D'Argent (IRE) 80-1 (12-0) Held up towards rear, pushed along in rear halfway, weakened and pulled up before 8th, at Gowran Park 2m 4f hvy in Nov.
Port Stanley (IRE) 6-4fav (12-0) Chased leaders, 2nd from 4th, challenged before 2 out, led 2 out, soon ridden, pressed last, headed run-in, kept on without matching winner, 2nd of 11, 1l behind Front View (12-0) at Fairyhouse 2m Soft - Heavy in Dec.
