raced in 4th throughout, ridden and no impression on leaders 2 out, kept on one pace straight
disputed lead, headed before 4th, improved to lead travelling well entering straight, pushed along before last, stayed on strongly run-in, easily
raced in last throughout, took keen hold, off pace from 3rd, jumped left at 4th, not fluent 6th, ridden and no impression from before 2 out
disputed lead, led before 4th, slow jump 5th, ridden and headed entering straight, 3rd and no impression on leaders before last, no extra run-in
tracked leaders in 3rd, not fluent 2nd and 3rd, closer 3rd 2 out, pushed along in 2nd before last, ridden and no impression on winner at last, kept on same pace in 2nd run-in
Willie Mullins has won this with some top-class performers in the past and IMPAIRE ET PASSE could be another from the production line. A winning bumper in France, he joined the champion trainer after being bought for €155,000 and sauntered home on his hurdling debut at Naas. He's entered in four Grade 1's and this looks an ideal stepping stone. The Model Kingdom has been here twice, winning a Grade 3 bumper and a novices' hurdle though she was a bit disappointing in a Listed race at Thurles last time. Shecouldbeanything is well named having gained comfortable victories between the flags, in a Limerick bumper and a maiden hurdle on that track. The remaining pair look to have too much to do.
Hey Johnny (IRE) 11-4 (11-2) Held up in touch, pushed along in 8th when mistake 3 out, soon ridden and weakened, pulled up before next, at Gowran Park 2m hcp hvy in Nov.
Impaire Et Passe (FR) 4-7fav (11-7) Tracked leaders on inner, improved to lead before last (usual 3 out), travelling well bypassing 2 out, soon pushed along and went clear, quickened well inside final furlong, easily, won at Naas 2m 3f mdn sft in Dec beating For Fear Of Frost (11-7) by 18l, 24 ran.
C'est Rien (IRE) 20-1 (11-11) Disputed, headed after 2f and remained close up in 2nd, pushed along in 3rd over 2f out, 5th entering straight, soon ridden and no extra, 7th of 11, 23 1/2l behind Magic Dawn (11-11) at Punchestown 2m 2f Soft - Heavy in Dec.
Shecouldbeanything (IRE) 6-4fav (11-7) In touch, 6th after 6th, travelled well to lead after 4 out, pecked 2 out, ran on well run-in, comfortably, won at Limerick 2m 4f mdn Soft - Heavy in Dec beating Hauturiere (10-13) by 4l, 18 ran.
The Model Kingdom (IRE) 5-4 (11-1) Held up, 5th halfway, progress into 3rd approaching 2 out, went 2nd before last, soon ridden and no impression, dropped to 3rd close home, 3rd of 7, 7 1/4l behind Liberty Dance (10-11) at Thurles 2m lst (1) Yielding in Dec.
