held up in touch, 5th at 3rd, not fluent 6th, pushed along before straight, no impression from before 2 out, kept on same pace without threatening
held up, soon in rear, no extra approaching 2 out
prominent, 2nd at 3rd, pushed along before straight, soon weakened
held up, 8th at 3rd, closed up straight, soon prominent, kept on same pace in 3rd from before last
prominent, 3rd at 3rd, no extra approaching 2 out
held up in touch, 6th at 3rd, not fluent 6th, pushed along from 7th, no impression from before 2 out, kept on same pace without threatening
chased leaders, 4th at 3rd, effort from before 2 out, no extra approaching last
held up early, 7th at 3rd, closed from next, close up when mistake 3 out, not fluent 2 out, chased winner and no impression when slight mistake last, kept on same pace run-in
made all, still travelling smoothly from 3 out, ridden clear before last where slight mistake, stayed on well run-in, comfortably
Wings Like Arion was carrying a 6lb penalty for her victory at Gowran when scoring with a bit in hand at Punchestown but another 7lb rise makes this more difficult. Admiral Brian has been outclassed since scoring at Clonmel in December and will be much more at home at this level but GRAND PARTNER ran his best race over hurdles for a long time when a close third in a Grade B handicap at Leopardstown a couple of weeks ago and a similar effort would probably suffice with his rider's claim a plus. Marlbrook was showing promise in novice chases two years ago and, though better for a recent run on this track, should do better over the bigger obstacles.
Grand Partner (IRE) 33-1 (10-2) Mid-division early, ridden and headway straight where not much room, kept on without threatening run-in into 3rd closing stages, 3rd of 28, 3 3/4l behind Off You Go (9-10) at Leopardstown 2m hcp sft in Feb.
Marlbrook (IRE) 14-1 (10-13) Took keen hold and led, joined 7th, led again next, headed and mistake 10th, lost place and quickly pulled up, at Navan 2m 4f hcp sft in Dec.
Whatever Jacksays (IRE) 16-1 (11-10) Led and disputed, led 3rd, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, soon no extra, 9th of 13, 15l behind Mick The Boyo (10-0) at Naas 2m hcp Soft - Heavy in Jan.
Admiral Brian (IRE) 66-1 (11-3) Always rear, no impression after 3 out, no extra in straight, weakened, tailed off, 6th of 7, dist behind Presenting Percy (11-3) at Gowran Park 3m (1) hvy in Jan.
Theophilus (IRE) 25-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway and left 2nd 4 out, ridden after 2 out and no extra before last, 8th of 15, 10l behind Oscars Den (11-1) at Navan 2m hcp Soft - Heavy in Nov.
Man With Van (IRE) 50-1 (11-5) Always towards rear, never a factor, pushed along and no impression after 4 out, no extra, 12th of 14, dist behind Peace N' Milan (10-13) at Gowran Park 2m 4f hcp hvy in Jan.
Wings Like Arion (IRE) 5-4fav (11-9) Raced in 8th early, improved to get on terms 2 out and slight mistake, soon led, joined at last, soon led again and kept on well, won at Punchestown 2m hcp hvy in Jan beating Bee A Beneficiary (11-0) by 3/4l, 13 ran.
Fruits Of Glory (IRE) 20-1 (11-5) Held up, last before 4th where not fluent, slight mistake 5th, kept on without threatening straight, 8th of 17, 28 1/2l behind Wee Small Hours (11-0) at Navan 2m 4f hcp hvy in Jan.
De Benno (IRE) 14-1 (9-13) Soon led and went on, reduced lead and headed from 3 out, no extra and kept on same pace from before last, 8th of 22, 32 1/4l behind Last Goodbye (10-7) at Leopardstown 2m 5f hcp sft in Feb.
