chased leader in 4th, not fluent 4th and 6th, pushed along before halfway, ridden approaching straight and no impression in 4th after 3 out, under pressure and kept on one pace to go moderate 2nd run-in
tracked leader in 3rd, not fluent 3rd, went 2nd at 5th and progress to lead before 5 out, asserted from 3 out and stayed on well, very easily
led and soon 5 lengths clear, reduced advantage when not fluent 6th, headed before 5 out, no impression on easy winner after 3 out, no extra when slight mistake last and dropped to moderate 3rd run-in
chased leader in 2nd, closer in 3rd halfway, ridden before 3 out and soon no impression on easy winner, moderate 4th when blundered last
This outcome of this may depend upon whether Bog Warrior and Rathlin were able to take up options at Gowran on Saturay. However, both would struggle to cope with ZAIDPOUR at his best though a word of caution has to be advised after his uncharacteristicly poor effort at Gowran where he was always struggling. Willie Mullins' charge had earlier beaten Rule The World comfortably in the Grade 1 Christmas Hurdle at Leopardstown and hopefully he'll put behind him whatever ailed him last time. Un Beau Matin took advantage of his demise to finish runner-up to Mala Beach in that latter event but has generally been found wanting at this sort of level. Dunguib looked to have the world at his feet when arriving as an odds-on chance for the 2010 Supreme Novices' Hurdle but could only finish third. He attempted a comeback a year later but was injured and was having his first start since the Champion Hurdle of 2011 when an excellent third to Rule The World at Naas last month where he only weakened at the last over that 2m3f.
Zaidpour (FR) 1-2fav (11-10) Chased leaders, mainly 3rd, mistake 6th, slight mistake 6 out and ridden next, no extra after 3 out, 6th of 8, 48l behind Mala Beach (11-8) at Gowran Park 3m hdl G2 (1) in Jan.
Dunguib (IRE) 13-2 (10-13) Took keen hold, in rear early, not fluent 3rd, 5th from next, moderate 4th before straight, soon no impression, kept on same pace without threatening from before last, 3rd of 6, 17l behind Rule The World (11-8) at Naas 2m 3f hdl Gr3 (1) sft in Jan.
Un Beau Matin (IRE) 7-1 (11-3) Led, clear from 6th, reduced advantage before 3 out, ridden and challenged after 2 out, headed before last, no extra and kept on same pace, 2nd of 8, 8l behind Mala Beach (11-8) at Gowran Park 3m hdl G2 (1) in Jan.
Jennies Jewel (IRE) 6-1 (10-10) Raced in 2nd, mistake 5th, challenged 2 out, no impression approaching last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 6, 8l behind Rule The World (11-8) at Naas 2m 3f hdl Gr3 (1) sft in Jan.
Bog Warrior (IRE) 8-1 (11-10) Led after 1st, driven and hard pressed between last 2, headed and in 3rd when blundered last, weakened flat, 5th of 13, 10l behind Solwhit (11-10) at Cheltenham 3m hdl G1 (1) gs in Mar.
Minsk (IRE) 7-1 (10-5) Chased leaders early, 9th halfway, progress into 6th 4 out, slow next, ridden in 7th 2 out, no extra before last, kept on one pace, 9th of 21, 12l behind He'llberemembered (10-4) at Leopardstown 2m 5f hcp chs sft in Jan.
Rathlin 10-1 (11-10) Held up in 3rd, slight mistake 8th, 4th before 3 out where ridden, kept on one pace, moderate 3rd last, just held 3rd at line, 3rd of 4, 28l behind Arvika Ligeonniere (11-12) at Punchestown 2m chs G2 (1) hvy.
