led, clear briefly after 7th, ridden before straight, strongly pressed entering straight, narrowly headed 2 out, no extra in 2nd run-in, kept on same pace
settled 3rd, 2nd 5 out, improved to challenge entering straight, narrow lead 2 out, ridden to assert run-in and kept on well
chased leader in 2nd, 3rd 5 out, dropped behind 3 out, soon ridden and no impression
The veteran Glenquest, a close third in the Welsh National just over a year ago, has run poorly over hurdles since reappearing in December. Captain Von Trappe has been well beaten in tough company since a narrow defeat in a Grade 2 novices' event at Punchestown in November and it's his stable companion BRIGHT NEW DAWN who looks to have a fine chance of returning to winning ways. It's almost two years since he completed a double at Grade level but has been running into the likes of Road To Riches and Felix Yonger and a good run over hurdles at Navan last month should have put him spot-on. Rubi Light was in top form at this time a year ago and is still capable of winning at this level though the concession of 8lb to the selection may just prove too much.
Rubi Light (FR) 20-1 (11-3) Led, joined before 8th, led again before 4 out, joined again when slightly hampered and pecked 2 out, soon headed and no impression on winner approaching last, no extra run-in, 3rd of 4, 10 1/2l behind Don Cossack (11-10) at Thurles 2m 4f (1) sft in Jan.
Bright New Dawn (IRE) 9-4 (11-8) Held up in 4th, pushed along from 3 out, stayed on well to go 2nd closing stages but not reach winner, 2nd of 5, 3/4l behind Sizing Tennessee (11-5) at Navan 2m Soft - Heavy in Jan.
Glenquest (IRE) 28-1 (11-12) Behind, mistake 10th, headway 4 out, ridden and weakened next, 10th of 15, 19 3/4l behind Donna's Diamond (11-12) at Musselburgh 3m 2f hcp (3) gs in Jan.
Captain Von Trappe (IRE) 16-1 (10-12) Chased leader, ridden in 4th after 4 out, no impression in 3rd 2 out, no extra entering straight, 5th of 9, dist behind Bonny Kate (10-1) at Punchestown 3m 4f hcp sft in Jan.
