disputed lead, narrow leader from 4th, joined again 3 out, ridden and headed straight, 3rd 2 out, soon no impression
disputed lead, close 2nd from 4th, on terms again from 3 out, led straight, pressed 2 out, headed approaching last and soon no impression, kept on same pace
raced 3rd of the 4, keen hold & closed up 4 out, travelling well straight and 2nd 2 out, led approaching last, quickly clear, stayed on well, very easily
raced last of the 4, pushed along 3 out, soon struggling and no extra
MIKAEL D'HAGUENET was one of seven original entries from Willie Mullins' yard and it will be a surprise if he doesn't continue his rehabilitation here. Nothing went right for him over fences last season but he's come back to hurdles in fine form and his recent victories at a slightly lower level will have put him right for this. Luska Lad will provide a stern test as his recent losses have been in higher grade events. He had Grade 2 and 3 victories to his credit but conceding 5lb to the selection may prove beyond him. Rick's best run came in a Grade 2 at Navan in November when not far behind the selection where The Hurl was a long way behind.
Luska Lad (IRE) 33-1 (11-10) Tracked leader in 2nd, dropped to 4th before 2 out, ridden and no extra early straight, 6th of 7, 27l behind Unaccompanied (11-0) at Leopardstown 2m hdl G1 (1) sft in Dec.
Rick (FR) 16-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders in 4th when fell at 4th, in a race won by Jetson (10-9) at Leopardstown 3m hcp hdl sft in Dec, 25 ran.
Mikael D'haguenet (FR) 2-5fav (11-12) Tracked leader in 2nd, improved to lead entering straight, ridden to assert before last, kept on well, won at Punchestown 2m 4f hdl hvy in Dec beating Western Leader (10-11) by 8l, 4 ran.
The Hurl (IRE) 50-1 (11-1) Always towards rear, fell 2 out, in a race won by Cross Appeal (10-4) at Leopardstown 3m hcp chs 0-145 in Dec, 26 ran.
