made all, pressed and almost joined from 3 out, went on again before last, ridden out run-in to maintain advantage
chased leader in 2nd, dropped to rear from 3 out, went 2nd again before last and soon ridden, kept on well run-in without matching winner
MSASSA will probably want further than this in the future but his staying-on fourth behind stable companion Saldier in the Champion Four-year-Old Hurdle at Punchestown is on a different level to anything achieved by these rivals. Percy won a Downpatrick maiden but was put in his place by Saglawy in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse and finished last. Foxy Lass hasn't made the expected improvement since scoring at Ballinrobe in September and neither Duke's Girl nor Yug could be considered against the selection.
Msassa (FR) 33-1 (11-0) Towards rear, closer order 6th, headway on outer before 3 out, pushed along before straight, kept on same pace from before last, 4th of 7, 8 1/2l behind Saldier (11-0) at Punchestown 2m (1) Yielding - Soft in Apr.
Foxy Lass 20-1 (11-12) Chased leader, every chance 2 out, weakened quickly, eased, 6th of 7, dist behind Stylish Dancer (10-9) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp fll (2) gd in Apr.
Duke's Girl 100-1 (10-4) Always towards rear, no impression from 3 out, never a factor, 10th of 16, 24 3/4l behind Dawn Shadow (11-7) at Punchestown 2m lst (1) Yielding - Soft in Apr.
Percy (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) In rear, pushed along from 3 out, no impression approaching next where slight mistake, soon no extra, last of 7, 30l behind Saglawy (11-0) at Fairyhouse 2m (1) sft in Apr.
Yug (FR) 11-1 (9-7) Dwelt, mid-division, no impression from 3f out, never a factor, 10th of 13, 20 3/4l behind Constancio (9-7) at Navan 1m 4f mdn Yielding - Soft in Apr.
