tracked leader in 2nd, bad mistake 3rd, mistake 6th, chasing winner when not fluent 2 out, soon pushed along, plenty to do in 4L second when fell at last
made all, not fluent at 2nd and 3rd, pushed along from 2 out, 4L lead when left well clear at last, ridden and stayed on well run-in
tracked leaders in 4th, ridden after 3 out, no impression in 4th 2 out, left moderate 3rd at last, no extra
held up in last, off pace from 4th, no impression from 4 out, moderate last when left 4th and fell at last
tracked leaders in 3rd, moderate 3rd halfway, ridden in 3rd before 2 out, beaten in 3rd when left 2nd at last, kept on same pace run-in
FOOTPAD will be long odds-on for his much awaited reappearance and should take this before going on to bigger things. Unbeaten in five starts over fences, including four Grade 1's, he's entered in the King George despite never having raced beyond 2m1f over the bigger obstacles. Harry Whittington sends Saint Calvados from the UK and he's a very worthy opponent despite his flop in the Arkle at Cheltenham won by the selection. He was heavily supported that day after impressing in a Grade 2 at Warwick but engaged in a battle for the lead with Petite Mouchir and was soon done with. He's much better than that and will ensure Willie Mullins' star has a good workout. Tycoon Prince is well held by the selection on their run in the Arkle at Leopardstown and the remaining pair look outclassed.
Footpad (FR) 2-5fav (11-10) Made all, went clear before 2 out, pushed along briefly and stayed on strongly run-in, easily, impressive, won at Punchestown 2m (1) Yielding - Soft in Apr beating Optimus Prime (11-10) by 12l, 6 ran.
Saint Calvados (FR) 11-4 (11-4) Led until not fluent 1st, led 4th, headed 6th, stayed with leader until 9th, 4th and weakening approaching 3 out, soon behind, tailed off, 4th of 5, dist behind Footpad (11-4) at Cheltenham 2m (1) hvy in Mar.
Arkwrisht (FR) 25-1 (9-12) Mid-division early, 9th from 12th, closed to be prominent 6 out, every chance when hampered at last, no extra run-in, 6th of 30, 11 1/2l behind General Principle (10-0) at Fairyhouse 3m 5f hcp hvy in Apr.
Blue Empyrean (IRE) 100-1 (11-5) Always rear, never a factor, detached before halfway, no extra after 4 out, tailed off, last of 6, dist behind Snow Falcon (11-5) at Down Royal 2m 4f (1) Good - Yielding in Nov.
Tycoon Prince (IRE) 16-1 (11-2) Rear of mid-division early, dropped to rear and trailing from 3rd, behind and pulled up before 2 out, at Punchestown 2m hcp Yielding - Soft in Apr.
