towards rear, badly hampered 5th, soon dropped to last and no danger, not fluent 4 out, pulled up before 3 out
towards rear, slightly slow 4th in last, went moderate 4th before straight, kept on same pace without threatening
soon disputed lead, led from 1st, almost joined 7th, joined from 4 out, narrowly headed 3 out, dropped to 3rd before straight, no impression from 2 out, one pace
tracked leaders, slightly slow 2nd, fell 5th
soon disputed lead, headed from 1st, 3rd before 6th, 2nd again before straight, soon challenged and on terms, gained narrow lead from last, kept on run-in, headed on line
towards rear, went moderate 5th before straight, kept on same pace
towards rear early, soon chased leaders, went 2nd before 6th, almost on terms 7th, on terms from 4 out, gained narrow lead 3 out, pressed and joined straight, hit last and narrowly headed, stayed on well run-in to lead again on line
tracked leaders, slightly slow 2nd, soon lost position, slow jump 4 out, soon no impression, not fluent 3 out and no extra
towards rear, went moderate 6th before straight, kept on same pace
Mr Fiftyone is the only course and distance winner having won this a year ago then followed up over slightly further on a return visit. He's been gradually returning to form and performed with credit here last month. Neverushacon, who was just in front of him last time, has been competing with credit at a high level but Caolaneoin, who finished in front of the pair of them, is 1-29 over fences which tempers enthusiasm. Xsquared completed an unusual five-timer last summer winning three times over fences and twice on the Flat. This is his ground and Peter Fahey should have him ready despite a long absence. Shanpallas is very useful on his day though is better handicapped over hurdles but Killiney Court looks a big threat. A dual novice winner, he was having his first start since October when falling two out in a Listed handicap at Cheltenham where he was still in the lead. THIRD OPINION was having his first start for Gordon Elliott but his 10th over fences when gaining his first victory by 22 lengths at Clonmel, though he was left clear at the second last. A mark of 121 looks workable and he's taken to double his winning tally.
Xsquared (IRE) 4-1 (11-9) Towards rear, pushed along 3 out, headway and slightly impeded before last, 4th and under pressure approaching straight, improved to lead under 1f out, soon asserted and stayed on well, won at Galway 2m 2f Good - Yielding in Jul beating Hurricane Ben (11-12) by 6l, 8 ran.
Shanpallas (IRE) 14-1 (11-2) Held up, pecked at 11th, pushed along and lost touch in last after 3 out, no extra from before next, last of 5, dist behind Champagne West (11-2) at Tramore 2m 5f lst (1) Soft - Heavy in Jan.
Mr Fiftyone (IRE) 10-1 (11-3) Prominent, soon 3rd, hit 5th, 5th after 3 out, no impression and slight mistake 2 out, one pace last, 6th of 13, 5 1/4l behind Don't Touch It (11-9) at Punchestown 2m hcp Good - Yielding in Apr.
Neverushacon (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Soon mid-division, not fluent 4 out, 8th after next, progress under pressure and chased winner from last where slight mistake, rider soon lost whip, kept on without getting there run-in, 3rd of 13, 1l behind Don't Touch It (11-9) at Punchestown 2m hcp Good - Yielding in Apr.
Shadow Catcher 25-1 (11-2) Held up, raced towards outer, 10th after 3 out, no impression next, 8th of 13, 14 1/4l behind Don't Touch It (11-9) at Punchestown 2m hcp Good - Yielding in Apr.
Ronava (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) Soon led, headed after 3rd, slightly slow in 3rd 3 out, pushed along and on terms before straight, headed from early run-in, kept on without matching principals, 4th of 11, 2 1/4l behind Elusive Ivy (11-0) at Leopardstown 2m 1f hcp gd in Jan.
Caolaneoin (IRE) 20-1 (9-11) Chased leaders, 6th after 3 out, ridden to chase winner last, kept on well close home, not quite get to winner, 2nd of 13, 1/2l behind Don't Touch It (11-9) at Punchestown 2m hcp Good - Yielding in Apr.
Third Opinion (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Soon raced in 5th, a little keen, headway before 7th, 2nd straight travelling smoothly, on terms approaching 2 out where left clear, slight mistake last, stayed on well run-in, comfortably, won at Clonmel 2m sft in Mar beating Game Puppeteer (11-12) by 22l, 9 ran.
The Conker Club (IRE) 28-1 (10-2) Prominent, led 7 out, ridden and headed 3 out, soon no impression, 7th of 17, 14 1/4l behind Definite Ruby (10-13) at Punchestown 2m 5f hcp Good - Yielding in Apr.
Killiney Court (IRE) 33-1 (11-9) Tracked leaders, led narrowly after 3 out, narrowly headed when fell next, at Cheltenham 2m 4f hcp lst (1) gs in Mar.
