tracked leaders, in pursuit of winner 2 out, soon no impression, kept on same pace
soon tracked leaders, 6th 3 out, 4th and no impression next, kept on same pace
waited with, 5th 3 out, no impression and kept on same pace from next
close up and disputed lead, 2nd and no extra from before 4 out, dropped towards rear and no extra next
tracked leaders, ridden and lost place 7 out, soon towards rear and no impression
waited with towards rear, ridden into 4th from 3 out, 6th and no extra next, kept on same pace
waited with towards rear, closer order 7 out, slight mistake 5 out, good progress to lead 3 out, clear before last, stayed on well, easily
led and disputed, mistake 5th, quickly went clear approaching 4 out where slow jump and reduced lead, headed next, 3rd 2 out, soon no impression, kept on same pace
A strong turnout for this nice prize with LAMBRO, who has four Cheltenham entries, handed the vote despite being beaten by today's rival Lastoftheleaders at Punchestown earlier this month. Willie Mullins' charge was conceding 4lb to the winner on his first start since May and racing over a trip short of his best so this should prove within his capabilities. Stablemate Quiscover Fontaine was well behind in that latter event and is warming up for the Grand National. Muirhead was better than these over hurdles and has managed to win three times over fences so he looks a threat along with Mount Benbulben, who has been in very good form all winter and ran very well in a Grade 2 last time.
Lastoftheleaders (IRE) 12-1 (11-6) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, dropped to 9th after 4 out, good headway on inner entering straight, ridden to narrow lead before last, kept on well run-in, won at Punchestown 2m hcp chs hvy beating Alderwood (11-3) by 2 1/4l, 11 ran.
Muirhead (IRE) 25-1 (11-5) Mid-division, ridden in 9th 3 out, no impression next, 12th of 28, 33l behind Colbert Station (10-11) at Leopardstown 3m hcp chs 0-145 sft in Dec.
Quiscover Fontaine (FR) 12-1 (11-9) Mid-division, ridden in rear after 4 out, no impression from next, 8th of 11, 25l behind Lastoftheleaders (11-6) at Punchestown 2m hcp chs hvy.
Royal De La Thinte (FR) 7-4 (12-0) Rcd 2nd, not go with ldr from 2out, ok 3rd when fell last, in a race won by Hoopy (12-0) at Punchestown 3m ire ptp hvy, 11 ran.
Treacle (IRE) 22-1 (10-8) Behind, hampered 5th, hampered and carried wide 8th (canal turn), fell 10th, in a race won by Neptune Collonges (11-6) at Aintree 4m 4f Handicap Chase (Grade 3) (7yo+) (1) gd in Apr, 40 ran.
Lambro (IRE) 2-1fav (11-10) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, ridden in 4th entering straight, stayed on to dispute briefly before last, 3rd last, no extra run-in, kept on same pace, 4th of 11, 6l behind Lastoftheleaders (11-6) at Punchestown 2m hcp chs hvy.
Mount Benbulben (IRE) 5-2 (11-5) Tracked leader, jumped right at times and badly right 4 out, led before 2 out until jumped right and headed, ridden in 2nd when jumped right at last, soon 4th, kept on without threatening on stands' side, 4th of 6, 2 1/4l behind Texas Jack (11-5) at Leopardstown 2m 5f nov chs G2 (1) hvy in Jan.
Odonimee (IRE) 14-1 (10-10) Led and jumped right, blundered 9th and headed after mistake next, soon no extra in 3rd, beaten when mistake 2 out, 3rd of 5, 43l behind Call The Police (11-3) at Thurles 2m 2f chs Grade 3 (1) in Jan.
