raced 4th of the 5, dropped to last from before 7 out, soon no extra
raced last of the 5, moderate 4th from before 7 out, soon no danger
tracked leader, on terms from 4th, definite leader 6 out, went on from before next, stayed on well, very easily
led, joined from 4th, headed from 7th, soon 3rd, chased winner and no impression in 2nd from 3 out, kept on same pace
tracked leaders, improved to dispute lead from 7th, headed and 2nd 5 out, struggling when mistake next, dropped to 3rd and no extra next
QUEL ESPRIT made a winning debut over fences in November 2010 before falling in Grade 1's at Leopardstown and Cheltenham, going well on both occasions. He was very unfortunate to be brought down in the Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown and had a nice confidence booster on his return at Naas in November. Mayo Mystique has yet to win over fences but was still in the lead when falling three out in a Cork Grade 3 last time though she will need to make major progress to take this and Whodoyouthink is probably more of a threat as his second to Lucky William at Punchestown in October was a fair effort. Chamirey was very lucky to finish runner-up in the Cross Country Chase at Cheltenham as half the field took the wrong course while the experienced Mahrajaan doesn't appear to have the quality for this grade.
Chamirey (FR) 20-1 (10-4) Mid-division, outpaced 3 out, no impression when left 2nd before last, ridden and stayed on flat, always held, 2nd of 10, 3l behind Garde Champetre (11-12) at Cheltenham 3m 7f hcp chs (2) gf in Dec.
Mahrajaan (USA) 20-1 (9-12) Mid-division, 8th 5 out, no impression from 3 out, 5th of 12, 20l behind Lastoftheleaders (10-9) at Fairyhouse 2m 1f hcp chs sft in Dec.
Quel Esprit (FR) 8-13fav (11-6) Tracked leader, kept wide throughout, led halfway, pushed out to draw clear run-in, won at Naas 2m 3f chs in Nov beating Foildubh (10-9) by 7l, 4 ran.
Whodoyouthink (IRE) 7-2 (11-4) Led, headed 5 out, ridden in 5th 4 out, no extra and kept on one pace, 5th of 7, 26l behind Days Hotel (11-4) at Punchestown 2m nov chs Grade 2 (1) sft in Nov.
Mayo Mystique (IRE) 16-1 (10-11) Led and soon clear, reduced lead from before 4 out, still just in front when fell next, in a race won by Knockfierna (10-11) at Cork 2m 1f mares nov chs Grade 3 (1) in Dec, 6 ran.
