settled 4th, headway into 3rd 3 out, ridden to challenge entering straight, disputed before last, kept on same pace run-in, no extra in 2nd closing stages
chased leader in 2nd, led 2 out, challenged entering straight, ridden and disputed before last, kept on best run-in to edge ahead closing stages
held up in 5th, rear when ridden and mistake 2 out, soon weakened, pulled up before last
led, headed 2 out, soon ridden and no extra, weakened entering straight
chased leaders in 3rd, pushed along in 4th 3 out, ridden and no extra 2 out, weakened entering straight
held up in rear, headway in 4th 2 out, 3rd entering straight, ridden and no impression before last, kept on same pace
Grade 2 bumper winner DON COSSACK made a sparkling debut over timber at Navan before contesting the Grade 1 Navan Novice Hurdle in December and starting odds-on. However, he didn't appear at his best that day and was making no impression on the exciting Pont Alexandre when falling at the last but gets a chance to put matters right here. The winner's trainer, Willie Mullins, is represented by dual winning bumper Mozoltov, who could hardly have won more easily on his hurdling bow at Gowran making all for a very impressive victory. He's taking on better horses here but looks another classy prospect for his handler. Ned Buntline is potentially very useful and though beaten on his hurdling debut showed the benefit with a smooth success at Leopardstown. He won't go down without a battle while the remaining trio are all winners of their latest starts making this a genuine contest.
Don Cossack (GER) 8-15fav (11-10) Tracked leader, not always fluent jumping, not getting to winner from 2 out, stumbled and fell after last, in a race won by Pont Alexandre (11-6) at Navan 2m 4f nov hdl G1 (1) hvy in Dec, 5 ran.
Mozoltov 1-4fav (11-12) Prominent and led before 3rd, clear before 3 out and in command straight, unextended, won at Gowran Park 2m 2f mdn hdl sft in Dec beating Marjesjoh (11-12) by 24l, 11 ran.
Mumbo Jumbo (IRE) 4-6fav (11-12) Led, headed before 2 out, travelled well entering straight, slight mistake last and ridden run-in, stayed on to lead closing stages, won at Leopardstown 2m mdn hdl sft in Dec beating Celtic Cailin (11-5) by 1 1/2l, 13 ran.
Starkie 3-1 (11-12) Made all, slight mistake 3rd, ridden and in command last, stayed on well run-in, won at Tramore 2m nh nov hdl hvy in Dec beating Moveable Asset (11-9) by 2l, 5 ran.
Waydownsouth (IRE) 9-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, closer in 3rd after 3 out, challenged and on terms next, soon led, stayed on well run-in, reduced lead and held on at the finish, won at Tramore 2m mdn hdl hvy in Jan beating Bell Weir (11-5) by nk, 15 ran.
Ned Buntline 4-5fav (11-7) Held up, 7th and headway 3 out, 4th 2 out, improved to challenge approaching last, ridden to lead early run-in, ran on well comfortably, won at Leopardstown 2m 4yo mdn hdl sft in Dec beating Urano (11-7) by 2l, 14 ran.
