Willie Mullins has won the last two and has three of the eight entries. Paul Townend has chosen GAELIC WARRIOR and his mount, beaten a short-head on his debut for the yard in the Fred Winter at Cheltenham in March, had little more than an exercise canter around Tramore last month and is currently at the head of the market for the Ballymore. Blue Sari went chasing last winter having failed to finish in his four previous starts over hurdles while Braganza was very highly tried after making a winning start for the yard at Thurles. Maidenstreetprince took advantage of heavy ground to score at Limerick and looks best of the remainder.
Blue Sari (FR) 16-1 (11-12) Mid-division, mistake 4th, towards rear and slight mistake 6th, soon trailing and pulled up before next, at Punchestown 2m 5f hcp Good - Yielding in Apr.
The Priests Leap (IRE) 5-2fav (11-5) Chased leader, 2nd halfway, disputed after 3 out, close 2nd approaching 2 out, soon no extra and weakened from last, 3rd of 7, 21 1/2l behind Broomfield Hall (11-9) at Fairyhouse 2m sft in Nov.
Gaelic Warrior (GER) 1-12fav (11-12) Chased leader, led after 5th, extended advantage to 15 lengths 4 out, distance clear 2 out, very easily, won at Tramore 2m mdn sft in Dec beating Littel Flour (11-5) by dist, 10 ran.
Maidenstreetprince (IRE) 15-2 (11-4) Tracked leaders early, improved to lead after 4th, pushed along and not fluent 2 out, ridden from last and kept on well run-in, won at Limerick 2m mdn Soft - Heavy in Dec beating Sa Fureur (11-4) by 1 1/4l, 15 ran.
The Gradual Slope (IRE) 13-2 (11-3) In touch, 4th halfway, lost place before 2 out, progress and ridden in 5th before last, no extra run-in, 6th of 12, 10 3/4l behind Green Glory (10-12) at Leopardstown 2m 4f hcp sft in Dec.
Braganza 20-1 (10-11) Rear, 6th halfway, slight mistake 4 out, weakened in 5th last (normal 2 out), never a factor, tailed off, 5th of 6, dist behind Shewearsitwell (10-11) at Leopardstown 2m 4f (1) sft in Dec.
Topothelane (IRE) 50-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway before 5th and led halfway, headed early straight, dropped to 4th and fell 2 out, at Clonmel 2m 3f mdn sft in Mar.
Apples In Winter (IRE) 66-1 (10-11) Mid-division, ridden and no impression before 3 out, no danger after, 6th of 18, dist behind Santonito (11-12) at Clonmel 2m 3f mdn sft in Dec.
