tracked leaders, pushed along in 4th 3 out, ridden in 3rd next, went 2nd and chased winner at last, stayed on well run-in, not reach winner
held up disputing 5th, 5th from 4th, slight mistake and pushed along 4 out, ridden in 5th next, no impression, moderate 4th after last
tracked leader in 2nd, led from 4th, joined 6th, ridden and headed 3 out, moderate 4th next, went moderate 3rd after last, no extra
led, headed 4th, disputed lead from 6th, led 3 out, ridden and headed before next, no impression on winner after 2 out, 3rd when bad mistake at last and soon dropped to 5th, no impression
held up disputing 5th, last from 4th, slight mistake 4 out and pushed along, slight mistake again 3 out, ridden and kept on one pace from 2 out
tracked leaders in 4th, headway into 2nd 3 out, led before next, clear and pushed along before last, reduced advantage at last, ridden run-in, stayed on well inside final furlong
Castlegrace Paddy won this in 2020 and finished runner-up to Any Second Now a year ago. He's continued to run at a very high level and should go well as should MASTER MCSHEE. The latter started out over fences with a good run behind Bob Olinger at Gowran then landed the Grade 1 Faugheen at Limerick before being put in his place by the brilliant Galopin Des Champs in another Grade 1 at Leopardstown. He's taken to defy a penalty though Notebook has been a consistent performer at the highest level for a very long time with a pair of Grade 1's over hurdles and two Grade 2's over fences to his credit. Cilaos Emery ran in the Champion Chase at this time a year ago but jumping problems have halted his progress at the top level. Neither the 2020 Galway Plate winner Early Doors nor the useful Sizing Pottsie can be completely dismissed.
Master McShee 12-1 (11-10) In touch, 4th at 7th, improved to 2nd after 4 out, niggled along before last, ridden and no chance with winner run-in, kept on same pace, 2nd of 8, 9l behind Galopin Des Champs (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m 5f (1) Yielding in Feb.
Castlegrace Paddy (IRE) 11-1 (11-9) Rear of mid-division, closer in 7th 3 out, pushed along in moderate 6th next, went 3rd and no impression on leaders at last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 12, 15 1/4l behind Dunvegan (11-0) at Fairyhouse 2m 1f hcp sft in Jan.
Notebook (GER) 16-1 (11-10) Tracked leader, 2nd halfway, pushed along 3 out, ridden and no impression approaching last where left 3rd, no extra run-in, 3rd of 4, 20 1/2l behind Allaho (11-12) at Thurles 2m 4f (1) Good - Yielding in Jan.
Cilaos Emery (FR) 50-1 (11-10) Always rear, slight mistake 5th, no impression when slight mistake and unseated rider 11th, at Leopardstown 3m (1) Yielding in Feb.
Early Doors (FR) 66-1 (11-3) Towards rear, pushed along in moderate 8th 3 out, no impression, kept on one pace, 6th of 9, 18 1/4l behind Thedevilscoachman (11-6) at Navan 2m 5f (1) hvy in Feb.
Sizing Pottsie (FR) 8-1 (11-3) Held up in rear, slightly detached at 3rd, took closer order at 5th, progress before 4 out, mistake 3 out, improved to 3rd before last, kept on in 2nd closing stages, no chance with winner, 2nd of 4, 6l behind Melon (11-3) at Gowran Park 2m 4f (1) hvy in Feb.
