tracked leader in 2nd, led approaching 2 out, soon drew clear, eased from last, not extended, very easily
chased leaders in 3rd, reminders halfway, 4th under pressure 4 out, last 2 out, kept on same pace
settled 4th, slight mistake 1st, 3rd 4 out, ridden from 2 out, 2nd and kept on from last without troubling winner
led, headed approaching 2 out, soon ridden and outpaced, 3rd and no extra from last
lost ground start, held up in rear, took closer order 3 out, 4th and ridden 2 out, no impression, no extra approaching last
Despite conceding plenty of weight, LUSKA LAD can hardly be opposed. Shark Hanlon's six-year-old showed incredible determination to fight back when headed by Blackstairmountain in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse in April, his third successive victory at that level, and his only poor run came when attempting 2m4f for the first time in the Champion Novice Hurdle here the same month. Imperial Shabra, Baron De'L and Der Spieler look quite closely matched though the former may just have the edge on recent form and can snatch second spot.
Luska Lad (IRE) 11-2 (11-5) Led, headed after 3 out and soon weakened, 9th of 12, 49l behind Reve De Sivola (11-10) at Punchestown 2m 4f nov hdl Grade 1 gd in Apr.
Baron De'l (IRE) 40-1 (11-12) Soon well off pace towards rear, some slight mistakes, ridden 4 out, no impression and kept on same pace from before 2 out, 7th of 10, 33l behind Blackstairmountain (11-12) at Punchestown 2m nov hdl G2 gd in Apr.
Der Spieler (GER) 16-1 (10-3) Mid-division, ridden and weakened from 4 out, 29th of 30, well behind Puyol (10-10) at Leopardstown 2m ext hcp hdl hvy in Jan.
Imperial Shabra (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) Tracked leader in 2nd, ridden and weakened from 3 out, 7th of 11, 45l behind Oilily (10-10) at Tipperary 2m nov hdl Grd 3 (1).
Winner Takes Itall 6-1 (11-4) Towards rear for most, never a factor, 10th of 12, well behind Mr Dazza (11-4) at Tramore 2m mdn hdl fm in Aug.
