Verdict

Soul Kaliber ran quite well for a long way on his chasing bow at Tramore and was still there with every chance when impeded and unshipping his rider on the same track so he looks a threat to all. Samson Bill had been running in point-to-points last winter before making his debut over fences in that latter event where he performed with credit. He looks best of Denis Hogan's pair but the lightly-raced SESKIN FLYER has been going well over hurdles and could surprise a couple of better fancied rivals here if taking to fences. Monbeg Chit Chat started a short-priced favourite for his chasing debut at Cork in November but had no answer to the winner though reportedly suffered an injury. He was again well supported at Clonmel last month but weakened rapidly after showing early pace and may need to regain his confidence.

Formwatch

Golan Lodge (IRE) 33-1 (11-12) Held up off pace, moderate 4th when fell 5th, at Leopardstown 2m 5f Yielding in Dec.

Mister Butler (IRE) 20-1 (11-6) Mid-division, dropped towards rear approaching 3 out, no extra entering straight, 8th of 11, 33 3/4l behind Urbanist (10-11) at Punchestown 2m hcp Soft - Heavy in Dec.

Monbeg Chit Chat 11-10fav (11-12) Prominent, left disputing lead from 4th, headed approaching 6th where slight mistake, not fluent 3 out and lost place, soon no extra and pulled up before 2 out, at Clonmel 2m hvy in Dec.

Samson Bill (IRE) 18-1 (11-3) Held up towards rear, jumped up to chase leaders briefly at 5th, soon restrained again, ridden in 5th before 2 out, left 4th and no impression 2 out where slight mistake, kept on one pace, 4th of 7, 20 1/2l behind Peculiar Genius (10-11) at Tramore 2m hvy in Jan.

Seskin Flyer (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear, progress into 4th 3 out, ridden in 3rd before 2 out, no impression before last, kept on one pace, 3rd of 9, 8 1/4l behind Cubomania (11-11) at Tramore 2m hcp hvy in Jan.

Soul Kaliber (IRE) 4-1 (11-3) Led and disputed, ridden along on bend before 3rd, ridden before 2 out, close 2nd and every chance when bumped and unseated rider 2 out, at Tramore 2m hvy in Jan.