held up in rear early but took keen hold and soon 2nd, dropped to 4th 5 out, ridden and no impression from 3 out
tracked leaders, went 2nd 5 out, improved to dispute lead travelling well when bad mistake and on ground 3 out, recovered and moderate 6th entering straight, asked for effort from 2 out and ran on well, went 3rd close home, unlucky
tracked leaders, 3rd from 5 out, close 3rd when left close 2nd 3 out, ridden to lead entering straight, stayed on well under pressure on stands side from 2 out
led, joined from 3 out, soon ridden and weakened entering straight, no impression from 2 out
held up in last, 5th 4 out, left 4th next, ridden in 2nd entering straight, kept on same pace from 2 out
held up in 5th, pushed along from 5th, no impression under pressure from 3 out
It's by no means conclusive that MIKAEL D'HAGUENET is over the jumping problems that have blighted his career but he's a class act when on song and had a nice confidence booster at Thurles last month. He's still in a couple of races at Cheltenham but would need to win this convincingly to take his place. Whodoyouthink has reverted to hurdles recently after several moderate efforts over fences and appears to be the one most likely to take advantage if the selection fails again. Sweeney Tunes hasn't had much experience so it was a good effort to be beaten a head when conceding 6lb to Farrells Fancy in a tough Leopardstown handicap last month. Madam Bovary was a long way behind the selection at Punchestown in December but still looks best of the remainder.
Ballyadam Brook (IRE) 33-1 (10-4) Led and clear, headed from 3 out, soon weakened quickly, 12th of 18, 27l behind Farrells Fancy (9-6) at Leopardstown 2m 5f hcp chs hvy in Jan.
Mikael D'haguenet (FR) 1-2fav (11-12) Prominent and tracked leader in 2nd, led before 3 out, asserted between final 2 fences and stayed on well, very easily, won at Thurles 2m 4f nov chs hvy in Jan beating He'llberemembered (11-5) by 12l, 4 ran.
Sweeney Tunes 16-1 (9-12) Tracked leaders, close 3rd 2 out, soon ridden, left 2nd at last, stayed on well run-in to strongly press winner to line, 2nd of 18, hd behind Farrells Fancy (9-6) at Leopardstown 2m 5f hcp chs hvy in Jan.
Whodoyouthink (IRE) 25-1 (10-10) Disputed lead early, headed 3rd, weakened from 4 out, 18th of 28, well behind Abbey Lane (10-8) at Leopardstown 2m hcp hdl 0-145 hvy in Jan.
Charlie's Vic (IRE) 4-9fav (10-11) In touch when fell awkwardly first, in a race won by Micro Mission (10-5) at Carlisle 2m 4f mrs nov chs (5yo+) (4) hvy, 4 ran.
Madam Bovary (IRE) 15-8fav (11-4) Held up, fell 5 out, in a race won by Ballinahow Lady (11-4) at Thurles 3m mrs nov chs (5yo+) hvy, 8 ran.
