led early, remained prominent and 2nd halfway, 4th before 2 out, ridden in 5th entering straight, no extra from before last
prominent and disputed until headed 4th, took keen hold, 3rd halfway, close 2nd approaching 2 out, ridden entering straight and dropped to 4th at last, no extra run-in
chased leaders, 6th halfway, 5th 2 out, ridden to go 3rd before last, no extra under pressure run-in
tracked leaders, 4th halfway, slight mistake 5 out, mistake next and sprawled badly on landing, dropped to rear, eased when beaten in straight, tailed off
prominent, led from 4th, travelling best early straight and asserted before last, kept on under pressure run-in and reduced advantage final 100 yards
chased leaders on outer, 5th halfway, 3rd 2 out, 2nd and driven along approaching last, kept on under pressure run-in without reaching winner
in rear, never a factor, ridden into 5th approaching last, kept on under pressure to go 3rd closing stages
Willie Mullins appears to have ironed out the jumping problems of QUEL ESPRIT and that should be enough for him to take this. A classy hurdler, he made a winning start over fences before twice falling when in the lead in races eventually won by today's rival Bostons Angel. He's looked a potential champion on his two runs this season and will be very difficult to beat. Bostons Angel went on to glory in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham where Magnanimity was a close fourth. He's been brought along slowly this season but should be ready for this and must be a major threat. After beating Sizing Europe at Punchestown in 2010, China Rock has competed exclusively at Grade 1 level over fences and had a warm up over hurdles last month. He's another who should be approaching his peak and should give a good account.
Bostons Angel (IRE) 2-1fav (11-11) Held up, jumped slowly 2nd and next, left 8 lengths 3rd 3 out, soon ridden, stayed on same pace, unable to challenge, 3rd of 5, 7l behind Golan Way (11-5) at Sandown 3m Listed chs (1) gs in Dec.
China Rock (IRE) 12-1 (11-10) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, dropped to 4th after 3 out, no impression in straight, kept on one pace, 4th of 6, 21l behind Ipsos Du Berlais (11-6) at Punchestown 2m 4f hdl in Jan.
Follow The Plan (IRE) 11-2 (11-10) Tracked leaders, slightly slow 7 out, close up and on terms from 3 out, no extra under pressure and kept on same pace run-in, 2nd of 5, 4 1/2l behind Apt Approach (11-3) at Thurles 2m 4f chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Jan.
Magnanimity (IRE) 20-1 (11-10) Chased leaders on outer, 6th halfway, mistake 10th, 5th 3 out, no extra after next, weakened in straight, 8th of 9, 50l behind Synchronised (11-10) at Leopardstown 3m chs G1 (1) gd in Dec.
Quel Esprit (FR) 2-7fav (11-3) Tracked leader, on terms from 4th, definite leader 6 out, went on from before next, stayed on well, very easily, won at Thurles 2m 2f chs Grade 3 (1) hvy in Jan beating Whodoyouthink (11-3) by 15l, 5 ran.
Roberto Goldback (IRE) 2-1 (11-8) Close up, mistake 1st, dropped to 3rd and ridden before straight, soon no impression and kept on same pace, 3rd of 5, 14l behind Apt Approach (11-3) at Thurles 2m 4f chs Grd 2 (1) sft in Jan.
Treacle (IRE) 20-1 (10-8) Mid-division, headway into 7th 3 out, ridden in 5th 2 out, kept on well from last to press winner close home, 2nd of 26, 3/4l behind Cross Appeal (10-4) at Leopardstown 3m hcp chs 0-145 in Dec.
