It's difficult to believe MIKAEL D'HAGUENET has struggled to make his mark over fences after such a brilliant hurdling career but he doesn't jump with the same fluency, though he did better at Thurles last time. He remains an enigma but a couple of Cheltenham entries suggest connections may believe he's coming back to his best and he can concede weight all round. Whodoyouthink is much better known for his exploits over timber but he has some fair form over the bigger obstacles and slammed Askanna at Punchestown last May. Buckers Bridge, a winning point-to-pointer and twice a bumper winner, made a winning start over fences at Punchestown but couldn't handle the step into Grade 1 company at Fairyhouse and finished tailed off behind Arvika Ligeonniere. This is more like his grade and he looks a threat while recent Listowel winner Miradene can prove best of Mouse Morris' pair.
Mikael D'haguenet (FR) 1-2fav (11-12) Prominent and tracked leader in 2nd, led before 3 out, asserted between final 2 fences and stayed on well, very easily, won at Thurles 2m 4f nov chs hvy in Jan beating He'llberemembered (11-5) by 12l, 4 ran.
Buckers Bridge (IRE) 9-2 (11-10) Tracked leaders in moderate 3rd, ridden and weakened after 4 out, tailed off when eased run-in, last of 5, well behind Arvika Ligeonniere (11-10) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f nov chs Grade 1 (4yo+) (1) sft in Dec.
Miradane 6-1 (11-10) Soon prominent, keen hold, slight peck 6 out, disputed lead and quick jumps 4 out and next, soon led and going best before straight, mistake last, reduced lead closing stages and eased near line, won at Listowel 2m 1f beg chs hvy in Sep beating Benefficient (11-12) by 1/2l, 6 ran.
Tillahow (IRE) 20-1 (11-8) In rear, ridden in moderate 5th 3 out, no impression straight, 5th of 7, 25l behind Marito (11-8) at Naas 2m nov chs in Jan.
Whodoyouthink (IRE) 25-1 (10-10) Disputed lead early, headed 3rd, weakened from 4 out, 18th of 28, well behind Abbey Lane (10-8) at Leopardstown 2m hcp hdl 0-145 hvy in Jan.
Cootamundra (IRE) 14-1 (11-5) Held up in last, ridden and went 5th from 2 out, no impression run-in, 5th of 6, 8l behind Texas Jack (11-5) at Leopardstown 2m 5f nov chs G2 (1) hvy in Jan.
