made all, jumped well in the main, still travelling well when left clear 2 out, only had to jump last after
prominent, closer in 2nd approaching 4 out, attempting to challenge when fell 2 out
tracked leaders, a bit slow 6 out, dropped to 4th and no extra approaching 4 out, left poor 3rd from 2 out
waited with, a bit slow 7 out, closer in 3rd approaching 4 out, no impression when left 2nd and slightly hampered 2 out, kept on same pace
waited with, mistakes 6 out and next, soon pulled up
SALUDOS won a Grade 2 at Navan a year ago and has generally performed at the highest level over fences. His latest run behind the exciting Seabass at Naas was a very good effort and a repeat should see him home. Willie Mullins complicates matters by saddling Shakerviltz and Tango Banbou. The former, who won the same Navan Grade 2 in 2010 that Saludos won a year later, hasn't made the expected progress and the presence of Ruby Walsh on board Tango Banbou suggests this former France-trained youngster, though well beaten on his debut for the yard after jumping poorly, is expected to do much better. Both Kakagh and Kilflora are decent enough performers but will have to raise their game to get competitive.
Saludos (IRE) 12-1 (11-10) Always prominent, led or disputed lead from 2nd, mistake 4 out, slight advantage entering straight, headed soon after 2 out and dropped to 3rd, no extra run-in, 3rd of 6, 11l behind Seabass (11-7) at Naas 2m chs G2 (1) sft in Feb.
Shakervilz (FR) 7-1fav (10-13) Mid-division best, 10th at 8th, no extra 5 out and pulled up after next, in a race won by On His Own (10-2) at Gowran Park 3m hcp chs sft in Jan, 18 ran.
Kakagh (IRE) 14-1 (11-8) Towards rear, reminder 3rd, no impression approaching 7 out, poor 5th 4 out, kept on without threatening under pressure, 3rd of 11, 19l behind Quarryvale (10-8) at Thurles 2m 6f chs hvy in Feb.
Kilflora 12-1 (10-13) Towards rear when mistake and unseated rider 4th, in a race won by Jack Absolute (10-11) at Gowran Park 2m 2f hcp chs sft in Feb, 13 ran.
Tango Banbou (FR) 9-2 (11-3) Slight mistake 3rd, last of the 4 from 5th, mistake 4 out, soon behind, 4th of 5, 33l behind Bishopsfurze (11-12) at Clonmel 2m chs sft in Feb.
