led, slight mistake 2nd and joined briefly, 3 lengths clear halfway, travelled well after 2 out, pushed out briefly and kept on well run-in, easily
tracked leader, slow 2nd, 2nd halfway, slow 8th, slight mistake 2 out, pushed along and no impression on winner entering straight, ridden and kept on one pace
tracked leaders, disputed lead briefly after 2nd, dropped to rear 6th, 3rd and pushed along after 2 out, ridden and no extra in rear approaching last
chased leaders, 3rd halfway, slight mistake 4 out, 4th and ridden after 2 out, moderate 3rd approaching last, kept on one pace
Willie Mullins is starting to bring out some of his big guns and Grade 1-winning hurdler CILAOS EMERY is certainly in that category. Already successful at Grade 2 level over fences, he couldn't quite make the transition to top company but he's better than a Listed performer. He'd be better suited by some give in the ground but so would main rival Darver Star. Five times a winning hurdler and placed at the top level on three occasions, he didn't quite fulfil expectations over fences after a winning start and was beginning to weaken on his reappearance at Naas when falling two out. Knock On Steel would be the one to take advantage of any mishaps.
Cilaos Emery (FR) 3-1 (11-12) Led, pressed 2 out, slight mistake at last, soon ridden, kept on, headed close home, 2nd of 7, nk behind Samcro (12-0) at Killarney 2m 4f (1) Good - Yielding in May.
Darver Star (IRE) 7-1 (11-3) Tracked leader in 2nd, 3rd after 3rd, 4th at 5th, niggled along before 2 out where mistake and fell, at Naas 2m (1) Good - Yielding in Nov.
Knock On Steel (IRE) 100-1 (11-2) Raced in rear, mistake at 4th and detached, no impression, never a factor, tailed off, last of 4, dist behind Eklat De Rire (11-9) at Wexford 2m 7f lst (1) hvy in Oct.
Mamaslittlestar (IRE) 20-1 (11-7) Tracked leader, chased leaders after 3rd, 6th after 6th, lost place and weakened before 3 out, 13th of 18, dist behind Secret Cargo (12-0) at Gowran Park 2m 4f sft in Nov.
