tracked leader in 2nd, improved to challenge 2 out, ridden to lead before last, kept on strongly run-in, comfortably
led, challenged 2 out, soon ridden, headed before last, no extra run-in, kept on same pace
Alaivan and CARLITO BRIGANTE met in a Grade 2 juvenile hurdle at Leopardstown's Christmas meeting in 2009 and the latter came out on top by 11 lengths. Alaivan has improved subsequently but probably not enough to turn the tables, though this will no doubt rest on a cat-and-mouse display of jockeyship from Andrew McNamara and Davy Russell.
Alaivan (IRE) 8-11fav (11-7) Tracked leaders in 2nd, took closer order travelling best after 3 out, led approaching 2 out, quickened clear before last, kept on well, comfortably, won at Naas 2m 4yo lst hdl sft in Nov beating Son Amix (11-4) by 3l, 6 ran.
Carlito Brigante (IRE) 20-1 (11-6) Mid-division, chased leaders under pressure on outside 2 out, soon ridden, weakened before last, 11th of 12, 45l behind Karabak (11-2) at Cheltenham 2m 4f hdl G2 (1) gs in Dec.
