led, not fluent 1st, joined 3 out, pushed along into straight, soon headed, 3rd and no impression approaching last where slight mistake, no extra
held up, soon 4th, 3rd after 3 out, pushed along after 2 out, challenged straight, on terms from before last and and every chance, not match winner and kept on same pace from 150yds out
took keen hold early, tracked leaders in 3rd, on terms 3 out, travelling smoothly into straight, soon pushed along to lead, joined from before last, led and stayed on best from 150yds out
prominent in 2nd, 3rd 3 out, soon 4th, pushed along and no impression from after 2 out, no extra straight, slight mistake last
held up in rear, mistakes 3rd and 5th, pushed along approaching 2 out, soon no impression, no extra straight
Willie Mullins has won the last three and intends to keep up the sequence with a trio of entries headed by BELLSHILL, unbeaten in four starts over timber and currently favourite for the Neptune. Already a winner at this level, albeit in a soft Grade 1 at Naas where his jumping could have been better, he continues to improve with every run and will take the world of beating. Petit Mouchoir, a close third behind stable companion Long Dog in the Future Champions here over Christmas, is by no means a forlorn hope here nor is Tombstone, who was just in front of her in that latter race. Gordon Elliott's charge was possibly a bit unlucky as he was untidy at a couple of hurdles and he's a superb prospect who will ensure the selection has a battle. Bleu Et Rouge finished fourth that day and though looking held will definitely be suited by the longer trip. Coney Island is a nice prospect who is taking a huge step-up in class after his impressive maiden victory here last month.
Bellshill (IRE) 2-5fav (11-10) Tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd 3 out, close 2nd travelling well when slight mistake 2 out, led before last and ridden clear run-in, stayed on well, won at Naas 2m 4f (1) hvy in Jan beating Last Encounter (11-10) by 5l, 5 ran.
Tombstone (IRE) 3-1 (11-10) Chased leaders and ran freely early, 5th halfway, ridden and progress on inner entering straight, stayed on into 2nd before last, kept on to press winner run-in, no extra closing stages, 2nd of 9, 3/4l behind Long Dog (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m (1) hvy in Dec.
Bleu Et Rouge (FR) 18-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, slight mistake 5th, ridden entering straight, stayed on into 4th last, no impression on leaders, kept on same pace run-in, 4th of 9, 5l behind Long Dog (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m (1) hvy in Dec.
Coney Island (IRE) 13-8fav (11-7) Prominent, slight mistake 2nd, 4th from 6th, closed up before straight, soon challenged, led approaching last, soon asserted, pushed out and stayed on well run-in, easily, won at Leopardstown 2m mdn hvy in Dec beating Improver (11-7) by 9l, 17 ran.
Petit Mouchoir (FR) 10-1 (11-7) Mid-division early, progress into 4th halfway, slight mistake 3 out, ridden entering straight, stayed on into 3rd before last, slight mistake last, kept on same pace run-in, 3rd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Long Dog (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m (1) hvy in Dec.
