chased leaders, closed approaching 3 out, struggling from before straight, effort on inner approaching last, soon no impression and kept on same pace
keen hold, soon led and clear, reduced lead approaching 6 out, soon went on again until going to 3 out, joined 2 out, headed before last, no extra
waited with towards rear, closer in 4th approaching 3 out, challenged from next and every chance before last, no impression and kept on same pace run-in
jumped slow early, chased leaders, closed approaching 3 out, challenged and on terms from before next, led before last, stayed on well to draw clear run-in
led early, chased leader, moderate 3rd 5 out, struggling next, soon weakened, pulled up after 3 out
waited with towards rear, closed approaching 3 out, soon no extra
A small but select field headed by Folsom Blue, who will be heading for the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham if successful here. Conor O'Dwyer's charge hardly broke sweat to land a Listed contest at Clonmel a month ago but is meeting better class rivals here and this is a big test. Caolaneoin had a very stiff task in a Grade 2 at Punchestown last time but performed with credit and the step up in trip is expected to suit but it's LYREEN LEGEND who gets the vote. Dessie Hughes' charge has finished a close runner-up to a pair of classy rivals in Monksland and Boston Bob at this level on his two recent starts and can go one better. Willie Mullins steps both Toostrong and Hats And Heels into this grade after their maiden successes and they wouldn't be running here unless they were considered up to the task.
Folsom Blue (IRE) 2-1fav (11-7) Tracked leaders, closed up to be on terms from 3 out, led before straight, clear before 2 out, stayed on well, easily, won at Clonmel 2m 6f lst nov hdl (4yo+) (1) hvy in Feb beating Castle Wings (11-6) by 9l, 8 ran.
Caolaneoin (IRE) 7-2 (11-2) Tracked leaders in 4th, went 2nd before 2 out, no chance with easy winner from early straight and dropped to 3rd before last, no extra, 3rd of 6, 18l behind Trifolium (11-1) at Punchestown 2m nov hdl Grade 2 (1) hvy in Feb.
Bridgets Pet (IRE) 7-2 (11-11) Held up in rear, some headway approaching straight, 10th 2 out, went 5th before last, kept on well under pressure run-in to lead close home, won at Naas 2m 3f mdn hdl sft in Feb beating Troubled (11-11) by 1/2l, 24 ran.
Lyreen Legend (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders in 3rd, led 3 out, ridden to assert briefly early straight, soon strongly pressed and headed last, no impression on winner run-in, 2nd of 11, 2 1/4l behind Boston Bob (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m 4f nov hdl Grade 2 (1) sft in Jan.
Toostrong (FR) 4-5fav (11-9) Tracked leaders, 4th 3 out, improved into close 2nd travelling well after 2 out, led last, pushed out and kept on well run-in, won at Fairyhouse 2m 2f mdn hdl sft in Dec beating Star Neuville (11-5) by 1 3/4l, 16 ran.
Hats And Heels (IRE) 5-6fav (11-3) Chased leaders, closer in 3rd approaching straight, led from 2 out, clear approaching last where slight mistake, stayed on well under pressure run-in, comfortably, won at Naas 2m 3f mdn hdl in Jan beating Beef To The Heels (11-12) by 5l, 19 ran.
