tracked leaders in 3rd, 2nd before straight, soon on terms, led before 3 out, headed between last 2, no extra and one pace from before last, dropped to 3rd run-in
tracked leader, slight mistake 7th, 3rd before straight, challenged 3 out travelling smoothly, led between last 2, asserted from before last, stayed on well run-in, comfortably
in rear, went 3rd approaching 2 out and not fluent, kept on into 2nd without troubling winner run-in
led, joined straight, headed before 3 out, dropped to last approaching 2 out and no impression
Gordon Elliott tries Lieutenant Colonel in blinkers after a poor run at Gowran when the very testing ground didn't help. The stable also run Diamond Cauchois, who ran very well to finish third behind Presenting Percy in that latter event - dropping back in trip looks certain to help. BAPAUME was in superb form in the spring and early summer last year with a victory in the Grade 1 Champion Four Year Old Hurdle at Punchestown the highlight. He was nowhere near his best behind Supasundae and Faugheen in the Irish Champion Hurdle and will find this much more to his liking. Maggio should pick up place money without troubling any of his rivals.
Bapaume (FR) 9-1 (11-9) Held up early and a little keen, soon chased leaders, pushed along from 2 out, no extra when bad mistake last, last of 8, 31l behind Supasundae (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m (1) sft in Feb.
Diamond Cauchois (FR) 5-1 (11-3) Held up towards rear, closer halfway, headway in 3rd 3 out, ridden after 2 out and no impression approaching last, kept on one pace, 3rd of 7, 6 1/2l behind Presenting Percy (11-3) at Gowran Park 3m (1) hvy in Jan.
Lieutenant Colonel 16-1 (11-3) Led, soon clear, reduced advantage of 3 lengths halfway, pushed along and headed after 4 out, soon no extra and pulled up before next, at Gowran Park 3m (1) hvy in Jan.
Maggio (FR) 50-1 (11-2) Always behind, 4th of 9, 22 3/4l behind Elusive Theatre (10-6) at Ayr 2m 5f hcp (3) hvy in Jan.
