led, jumped left for most, a little awkward crossing path on bend after 4th, joined 4 out, mistake 3 out, headed from 2 out, dropped to 4th before last, no extra
5th at 4th, moderate 4th before straight, no impression in 5th before 2 out, soon dropped to rear, pulled up before last
tracked leaders, 2nd after 4th, on terms 4 out, led from 2 out, pressed between last 2 and headed approaching last, soon no extra and one pace
tracked leaders, 4th at 4th, moderate 3rd before straight, pushed along 2 out, improved to challenge between last 2 and led approaching last, soon asserted, stayed on well run-in, comfortably
a little keen early and prominent on outer, 3rd after 4th, slight mistake 9th, slightly slow 5 out, dropped to last before straight, moderate 5th after 2 out and no extra
in rear, went moderate 5th before straight, switched right approaching 2 out where 4th, soon no impression, 3rd before last, one pace
The 14-year-old SEABASS, a close third in the 2012 Grand National, has only had one run in hunter chase company when runner-up in this race three years ago. He ran an incredible race for one of his age in a Grade A handicap at Leopardstown a year ago so hopefully he hasn't lost too much of his ability. Aupcharlie is a regular in these sort of events and between the flags and has plenty of success. He'll be fit enough after a recent run between the flags so looks an obvious threat. Sizing Solution is a relative youngster in this type of race but his form between the flags is ordinary as is that of Island Master though he landed a maiden hunter chase at Clonmel earlier this month. The lightly-raced Hedgeinator looks best of the remainder.
Hedgeinator (IRE) 4-5 (11-11) Tr ldrs, 3rd 1/2way, ko sme pace from last, 3rd of 8, 15l behind Sprintingforgold (11-11) at Nenagh 3m sft in Jan.
Island Master (IRE) 8-1 (12-0) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, improved to challenge 3 out, disputed before straight, narrow lead before last, ridden and kept on well run-in, won at Clonmel 2m 4f mdn hvy in Feb beating Clondaw Frisby (12-0) by 3 1/2l, 8 ran.
Ad Idem 8-1 (11-11) Prom, 3rd 1/2way, prog to disp 5out, 1l 2nd bef 2out, no ch with easy wnr in 2nd bef last, lost 2nd close home, 3rd of 11, 7l behind Buckers Bridge (12-2) at Belharbour 3m Yielding in Feb.
Aupcharlie (IRE) 4-7 (12-2) Rcd 2nd, 10l down 1/2way, 2nd 4out, mstk 2out, sn hdd, cls 2nd last, no ex run in, 2nd of 4, 2 1/2l behind Chosen Dream (12-2) at Kirkistown 3m gs in Feb.
Seabass (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) Led, jumped slightly right 7th, joined from 10th, soon led again, joined before 3 out, bumped slightly approaching straight, headed approaching 2 out where dropped to 4th and pushed along, one pace, 5th of 7, 10 1/2l behind Bridgets Pet (10-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 6f hvy in Jan.
Sizing Solution (IRE) 5-4 (12-1) Ww twrds rr, 6th 1/2way, prog to 8l 2nd bef 2out, eff to close & 3l dwn last, ko bt nt rch wnr, 2nd of 7, 3l behind Rosc Catha (11-10) at Rockfield 3m sft in Nov.
Dantes King (IRE) 3-1 (12-2) Mid-div, some prog 3out, ko without threatening str, 5th of 10, 27l behind Sprintingforgold (12-2) at Punchestown Pts 3m sft in Feb.
