led, strongly pressed and joined 2 out, headed at last, no impression under pressure run-in
always towards rear, ridden and no extra 3 out, tailed off
chased leaders mainly 5th, pushed along after 3 out, kept on one pace in straight
always towards rear, no extra after 3 out
tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden to challenge approaching last, led early run-in and kept on well under pressure
tracked leader in 2nd, headway travelling best to dispute 2 out, ridden to lead narrowly at last where mistake, soon headed, kept on one pace under pressure run-in
tracked leaders in 4th, ridden along from 2 out, no impression when slight mistake last
RATHLIN followed his maiden success at Gowran with a fine run behind Al Ferof in the Supreme Novices' Hurdle and will take some beating in that kind of form. Laughing Boy will enjoy the faster conditions though a long absence since October is hardly a plus in this grade which suggests Dare To Doubt is the biggest threat. Willie Mullins' mare has a Grade 2 penalty for her success over today's rivals Prima Vista and Tornedo Shay at Naas in February and though a big disappointment at Limerick last month she is much better than that.
Dare To Doubt 4-6fav (11-4) Attempted to make all, headed after 3 out, ridden entering straight, no impression on winner from 2 out, dropped to moderate 3rd on line, 3rd of 9, 19l behind Golden Sunbird (11-4) at Limerick 2m mares listed nov hdl (1) sft in Mar.
Dica (FR) 17-2 (11-5) With leader, led 4th, ridden and headed approaching 2 out, soon beaten, 5th of 14, 34l behind Higgy's Ragazzo (10-13) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nh nov hdl (4) gd.
Il Fenomeno (ITY) 5-1 (8-11) last of 7, well behind Voila Ici (8-11) at San Siro(ITY) 1m 3f Grp 3 (1) hvy in Sep (flat).
Laughing Boy (IRE) 7-4fav (11-7) Dwelt start, soon in mid-division, 9th 5 out, moderate 5th and headway after 3 out, 2nd after 2 out, led before last, stayed on well, won at Listowel 2m 4yo mdn hdl gd in Sep beating Gallilei (11-7) by 2 1/2l, 18 ran.
Prima Vista 7-2 (11-5) Held up towards rear, closer early straight, ridden to go 3rd when mistake last, kept on under pressure run-in but no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 5l behind Dare To Doubt (11-0) at Naas 2m nov hdl G2 (1) in Feb.
Rathlin 33-1 (11-7) Raced wide in mid-division, headway and in touch 5th, led before 3 out, headed soon after, weakened before last, 6th of 15, 15l behind Al Ferof (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m nov hdl Grade 1 (1) gd in Mar.
Tornedo Shay (IRE) 9-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, some headway approaching 2 out, soon no impression under pressure, 6th of 8, 10l behind Dare To Doubt (11-0) at Naas 2m nov hdl G2 (1) in Feb.
