chased leader in 2nd, disputed briefly 5 out and 4 out, ridden in 3rd entering straight, no impression 2 out, kept on one pace, pressed for 3rd from last, 3rd close home
led, headed 6th and soon 3rd, ridden 4 out, stayed on into 2nd entering straight, no impression on winner 2 out and slight mistake, kept on one pace
held up early and ran freely, 3rd from 1st, improved to lead 6th, disputed briefly 5 out and 4 out, asserted 2 out, clear before last where slightly left, easily
soon held up in rear, ridden and no impression entering straight, challenged for 3rd from last, 4th close home
The once-brilliant hunter SALSIFY is a light of former days despite not being a veteran in the context of these races. But the dual Cheltenham Foxhunter winner was having his first start since pulling up in last year's championship when third at Leopardstown a fortnight ago and that should have sharpened him up for this. Luska Lad is a year older and is another former very useful performer who was once rated 155 over hurdles. He's had an unlucky time between the flags recently, his rider taking the wrong course on one occasion and another failing to weigh in after finishing second. He won on the Punchestown points track on Sunday and won't go down without a battle. Wish Ye Didn't will probably do better over the banks courses while Abbey Lane, who won a lucrative handicap hurdle at Leopardstown three years ago, only has moderate form between the flags and at this level.
Abbey Lane (IRE) 9-4 (12-1) Pr, jnd ldr & wo 6th, 2l adv 1/2way, jnd apr 3out, hdd apr str, ev ch apr 2out, not qkcn with easy wnr flat, 2nd of 6, 8l behind Moon Dice (11-10) at Tyrella 3m sft in Feb.
Luska Lad (IRE) 5-2 (12-1) Ld, slw jmp 5th, 3l ld 1/2way, jnd appr 5out, hdd appr 4out, wo agn 2out, 2l adv appr last, ko best to line., won at Punchestown Pts 3m sft in Feb beating Marasonnien (12-1) by 4l, 7 ran.
Salsify (IRE) 16-1 (12-0) In rear and well off pace, headway to chase winner from after 2 out, moderate 2nd at last, 3rd and one pace run-in, 3rd of 11, 6l behind You Must Know Me (12-0) at Leopardstown 3m hvy in Feb.
Wish Ye Didnt (IRE) 25-1 (11-7) Held up, poor 9th at 7th, no impression from before 2 out, soon no extra, completely tailed off, 8th of 11, dist behind You Must Know Me (12-0) at Leopardstown 3m hvy in Feb.
