always rear, no impression after 3 out, no extra in straight, weakened, tailed off
chased leader in 2nd, closer halfway, led after 4 out, headed after 3 out, soon pushed along and no impression in 4th approaching last, kept on one pace run-in
mid-division, closer in 4th halfway, pushed along to go 2nd after 2 out, switched left before last, no impression on winner run-in, kept on one pace
held up towards rear, closer halfway, headway in 3rd 3 out, ridden after 2 out and no impression approaching last, kept on one pace
led, soon clear, reduced advantage of 3 lengths halfway, pushed along and headed after 4 out, soon no extra and pulled up before next
chased leader, closer in 3rd halfway, headway to lead after 3 out, ridden approaching last where edged right, kept on well run-in
mid-division, 6th halfway, some headway 3 out, ridden and no impression in 5th after 2 out, soon no extra, weakened
Alpha Des Obeaux beat a strong field in this in 2016 but today's line-up looks even better and he's much better known as a chaser these days. Bacardys is brilliantly versatile having won between the flags before a Grade 2 bumper victory and two top-level successes over timber, for which he's penalised. He hasn't taken to fences in two recent starts and, though having to concede weight all round, looks certain to make a bold bid to get back to winning ways. He has to concede 9lb to stable companion Let's Dance, six times a winner over hurdles though was behind him at Punchestown in April and only 2lb better off. PRESENTING PERCY (NAP) is a great advertisement for Pat Kelly's training skills having won half of his 14 starts including the Pertemps at Cheltenham and a very tough 3m5f handicap over fences at Fairyhouse last month. He's rated 5lb higher than Bacardys but receives 7lb so has to be the selection. The remainder have plenty to find.
Admiral Brian (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) In rear, closed up on outer into straight to chase leaders, no extra and one pace from before 2 out, 5th of 12, 14 1/4l behind Lite Duties (11-3) at Cork 2m 4f hcp hvy in Jan.
Alpha Des Obeaux (FR) 66-1 (11-10) Mid-division early, badly hampered 7th, soon raced in 7th,, 6th of 12, 14 3/4l behind Road To Respect (11-10) at Leopardstown 3m (1) Yielding in Dec.
Augusta Kate 25-1 (11-3) Soon raced in 4th, badly hampered 5th, 3rd before 8th, soon 4th again, no impression over 1f out, 4th of 6, 13 1/4l behind Apple's Jade (11-3) at Leopardstown 3m (1) sft in Dec.
Diamond Cauchois (FR) 6-4fav (10-12) Held up, 11th approaching 4th, improved to track leaders before straight, closed 3 out, on terms next, led travelling smoothly between last 2, stayed on well run-in, easily, won at Navan 2m 4f hcp hvy in Dec beating Fine Rightly (10-13) by 8l, 15 ran.
Lieutenant Colonel 6-1 (11-0) Close up in 2nd and disputed at times, slight mistake 7th and soon dropped to 3rd, 2nd before 4 out, ridden in 3rd entering straight, no impression on leaders 2 out, kept on one pace, dropped to 4th run-in, 4th of 12, 13 1/4l behind Monksland (11-0) at Thurles 2m 7f Yielding in Oct.
Presenting Percy 7-2jfav (11-10) Waited with, 9th halfway, closed up travelling smoothly straight, on terms 2 out, soon led and asserted, left well clear last, stayed on well run-in, easily, won at Fairyhouse 3m 5f hcp sft in Dec beating Forever Gold (10-13) by 11l, 14 ran.
Let's Dance (FR) Evensfav (11-7) Held up, soon raced in 7th, closed to track leaders approaching final hurdle, 2nd travelling smoothly approaching straight, on terms over 1f out, soon led and stayed on best to assert closing stages, won at Leopardstown 2m 4f (1) sft in Dec beating Forge Meadow (11-7) by 8l, 9 ran.
Bacardys (FR) 5-6fav (11-12) Prominent, slight mistake 4th, 3rd when fell 10th, at Leopardstown 2m 5f Yielding in Dec.
