tracked leaders, 3rd 3 out, ridden entering straight, weakened from 2 out, 5th and mistake at last
made all, went clear before 2 out, pushed along briefly and stayed on strongly run-in, easily, impressive
held up in rear, went moderate 4th 3 out, 4th travelling ok 2 out, hands and heels ride and went 2nd before last, not trouble winner run-in, kept on, never nearer
tracked leader in 2nd, ridden in 2nd before 2 out, soon no impression on winner, dropped to moderate 4th at last, no impression
always last, no impression from 4 out, never a factor
tracked leaders disputing 3rd, mistake 7th and dropped to 4th, ridden in 5th after 3 out, went moderate 3rd at last, no impression run-in
After the opening day shocks anything is possible but FOOTPAD has been imperious since turning to fences and it's very difficult to see him beaten. Not as good as Petite Mouchoir over hurdles, he's put that rival in his place in Grade 1 races the last twice, by five lengths in the Arkle at Leopardstown and 15 l engthsin the Cheltenham version where he retained his unbeaten record over the bigger obstacles in very impressive style. Gordon Elliott sends subsequent Aintree second Petite Mouchoir out to do battle again but he looks destined to play a supporting role once more. Optimus Prime has completed a hat-trick in novice company but landing a three-runner event at Leicester by a head doesn't entitle him to consideration in a Grade 1 so Castlegrace Paddy, on a hat-trick after a Listed victory at Thurles, looks more of a threat. Calino D'Airy, who ran a fine race when a close third behind Finian's Oscar in the Grade 1 Manifesto at Aintree, looks an option for a minor berth at a big price. Asthuria won the novices' hurdle on this day a year ago but hasn't done as well as expected over fences.
Castlegrace Paddy (IRE) 11-2 (11-2) Tracked leader, on terms before 4th, soon 2nd again, on terms before 9th and led before next, travelling smoothly approaching straight, asserted from before last, pushed out and stayed on well run-in, comfortably, won at Thurles 2m 2f lst (1) sft in Mar beating Jett (11-6) by 3 3/4l, 5 ran.
Footpad (FR) 5-6fav (11-4) Chased leaders, front pair went well clear before 5th, blundered 6th, closed before 4 out, went 2nd on downhill run to 3 out, challenged going well at 3 out, led before 2 out, clear from last, stayed on strongly to increase advantage, easily, won at Cheltenham 2m (1) hvy in Mar beating Brain Power (11-4) by 14l, 5 ran.
Optimus Prime (FR) 2-9fav (11-8) Made virtually all, pressed from 6th, 1 length ahead last, ridden and pressed again flat, held on, won at Leicester 2m (3) sft in Jan beating Rayvin Black (10-12) by hd, 3 ran.
Petit Mouchoir (FR) 4-5fav (11-4) Tracked leader, challenged when not fluent 3 out, led 2 out, headed before last, kept on and always held, 2nd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Diego Du Charmil (11-4) at Aintree 2m (1) sft in Apr.
Saturnas (FR) 14-1 (11-10) Held up in touch, 6th halfway, moderate 5th before straight, soon no extra, 8th of 9, 33 1/2l behind Al Boum Photo (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f (1) Soft - Heavy in Apr.
Asthuria (FR) 6-5fav (10-11) Led, joined from before 3 out, headed approaching last, no extra, one pace, 2nd of 5, 6l behind Youcantcallherthat (11-5) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f (1) Soft - Heavy in Apr.
Calino D'Airy (FR) 33-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders in 3rd, hit last, soon ridden and one pace run-in, 3rd of 6, 5 1/4l behind Finian's Oscar (11-4) at Aintree 2m 4f (1) gs in Apr.
