tracked leader in 2nd, disputed 2nd before halfway, ridden in 3rd over 2f out no impression on leaders over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
tracked leaders disputing 3rd, saddle slipped forward and improved to lead before halfway, continued with slipped saddle, headed and ridden 2 1/2f out, soon no impression on leaders
led, headed before halfway and soon disputed 2nd, disputed lead on inner 2 1/2f out, led travelling well 2f out, pushed along over 1f out, stayed on well under hands and heels inside final furlong
tracked leaders disputing 3rd, improved to dispute lead on outer 2 1/2f out, ridden and headed 2f out, pressed winner briefly under 1f out, kept on same pace in 2nd close home
towards rear on outer, took keen hold, ridden entering straight, no impression
towards rear, ridden entering straight, no impression
Forged In Fire beat the subsequently brilliant Ferny Hollow on his debut at Leopardstown in December 2019. His two runs over hurdles have been very poor and he's back in a bumper. Highland Charge had a barging match with Reality Cheque at Fairyhouse in November and came out on top but it's difficult to see past GERRI COLOMBE here. Gordon Elliott's charge scored between the flags last March and returned to action last month with a spectacular 24 lengths victory at Fairyhouse.
Forged In Fire (IRE) 14-1 (12-0) Prominent, 7th halfway, lost place and under pressure after 2 out, soon weakened, pulled up after last, at Leopardstown 2m 4f mdn sft in Dec.
Highland Charge (IRE) 12-1 (12-2) Tracked leaders, went 2nd 4f out, ridden in 2nd 2f out, headway to lead and briefly bumped rival inside final furlong, stayed on well close home, won at Fairyhouse 2m sft in Nov beating Reality Cheque (12-2) by 3/4l, 7 ran.
Gerri Colombe (FR) 8-13fav (12-0) Tracked leader in 2nd, improved to lead travelling well entering straight, pushed along 2f out, soon went well clear, stayed on strongly final furlong, very easily, impressive, won at Fairyhouse 2m hvy in Jan beating The Higher Road (11-7) by 24l, 7 ran.
Walter Grey (IRE) Leading Light gelding out of Miss Palm.
Sweet Scotch (IRE) 150-1 (11-9) Soon towards rear, weakened halfway, completely tailed off, 17th of 19, dist behind Gigolo' Dai Dai (12-1) at Punchestown 2m 1f sft in Feb.
Ellens Angel (IRE) Dylan Thomas M out of Threerockmountain.
