raced in 2nd behind clear leader, no impression after 3 out, disputed moderate 2nd when not fluent 2 out, pushed along and regained 2nd after last, no extra
made all and took keen hold, jumped left, soon clear, 30 lengths clear when not fluent 5 out, kept on well from 2 out, unchallenged, very easily
raced in 3rd behind clear leader, pushed along and no impression after 3 out, disputed moderate 2nd 2 out, 3rd again after last, no extra
SAINT SAM had four runs over fences last year, making a winning start at Fairyhouse before contesting three Grade 1 events. He beat Any Second Now on his return to hurdling at Punchestown in December and though subsequently disappointing looks a class above these rivals. Halsafari is 1-26 over fences and rated 42 below the selection while Minella Escape fell heavily at Punchestown a year ago and ran poorly in two starts over timber at the end of the year.
Halsafari (IRE) 8-1 (10-6) Held up towards rear, mid-division from 9th, closer in 4th 5 out, disputed entering straight, slight mistake 3 out, soon headed and ridden, slight mistake 2 out, no extra in 3rd last, kept on same pace, 3rd of 10, 6 1/2l behind Gain De Cause (10-7) at Fairyhouse 2m 6f hcp sft in Apr.
Saint Sam (FR) 33-1 (11-11) Held up in rear on outside, some headway on outside 2 out, soon weakened, 19th of 24, 31 1/2l behind Faivoir (10-7) at Cheltenham 2m 1f hcp (1) sft in Mar.
Minella Escape (IRE) 25-1 (11-13) Mid-division, pulled up injured after 3rd, at Fairyhouse 2m 4f hcp Good - Yielding in Dec.
