tracked leaders in 4th, mistake 5th, closer in 3rd next, travelling well on outer in 3rd 2 out, improved to lead before last, slight mistake at last, ridden and stayed on inside final furlong, comfortably
led, jumped right at 1st and not fluent at next, ridden and joined after 2 out, headed before last, soon no impression
tracked leaders in 3rd, dropped to 4th 3 out, soon ridden and weakened
tracked leader in 2nd, improved to dispute lead briefly after 2 out, soon ridden and headed, 2nd at last, no extra in 3rd inside final furlong
held up in last, pulled hard, pushed along in 4th after 2 out, ridden after last, improved into 2nd inside final furlong, kept on without threatening winner close home
Tombstone didn't do as well as expected over fences and has reverted to hurdles, running easily his best race for a long time behind Sharjah in the Grade 1 Ryanair at Leopadstown last month with Melon and Samcro behind. Wicklow Brave had finished 20 lengths behind Sharjah in the Morgiana at Punchestown earlier though the 14-times winner pops up when least expected. Forge Meadow, beaten a neck in this last year, has disappointed over fences this campaign and probably found 2m4f stretching his stamina in a Grade 3 last time. ESPOIR D'ALLEN has already won three times at this level and also landed a Grade 2 just over a year ago, which is why he's having to concede 7lb to these rivals. He's only run one poor race in his eight starts and today we'll find out whether he's Champion Hurdle material.
Espoir D'Allen (FR) 7-2 (11-8) Soon raced in 3rd, left 2nd and slightly impeded 3rd, closed up 5th, pushed along into straight, led approaching last, quickly asserted and stayed on well, won at Limerick 2m (1) sft in Dec beating Stormy Ireland (10-13) by 8l, 5 ran.
Forge Meadow (IRE) 8-1 (11-5) Led, headed 3rd, not jump fluently, 2nd halfway, pushed along after 2 out, no impression in 4th before last where slight mistake, no extra run-in, 4th of 7, 17l behind Good Thyne Tara (11-5) at Leopardstown 2m 4f (1) Good - Yielding in Dec.
Jarob 12-1 (10-1) Tracked leaders, driven to chase front pair before 2 out, ridden and kept on flat, not quite pace to get on terms, 3rd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Josies Orders (10-11) at Cheltenham 3m 6f hcp (2) gd in Nov.
Tombstone (IRE) 66-1 (11-10) Led and soon clear, 5 lengths advantage halfway, slight mistake 4 out, reduced lead and slight mistake 2 out, pushed along and joined entering straight, ridden and headed last, no impression in 3rd run-in, kept on one pace, 3rd of 6, 5 1/2l behind Sharjah (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m (1) Good - Yielding in Dec.
Wicklow Brave 33-1 (11-10) Led and clear of remainder along with 2nd horse, joined 3 out, soon ridden and headed entering straight, soon weakened, 7th of 9, dist behind Apple's Jade (11-3) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f (1) gd in Dec.
