took keen hold, raced in 2nd, led 5th, pushed along before straight, soon headed, 3rd approaching last and no extra and not fluent, dropped to 4th run-in
raced in 3rd, pushed along from 2 out, led into straight, soon strongly pressed, joined before last where just headed, kept on without matching winner close home
in rear, closed up to challenge straight, on terms before last where just led, stayed on best close home
led, not fluent 3rd, headed 5th, dropped to last 3 out and weakened, completely tailed off
raced in 4th, no impression from before 2 out, kept on without threatening into 3rd run-in
ESPOIR D'ALLEN was conceding Farclas and Mitchouka 3lb when beating both narrowly but with a bit in hand in a Grade 2 here on St Stephen's Day. Now unbeaten in five starts, he can add this Grade 1 to his tally. The runner-up, a winner on the Flat in France, ran a tremendous race on his hurdling debut and looks a very smart recruit so there may not be much in it again. Mr Adjudicator, a progressive type on the Flat, started a short-priced favourite in a maiden here over Christmas and his supporters hardly had a moments worry so he has to be considered despite a huge leap in class. The remaining pair look to have too much to do.
Espoir D'Allen (FR) 1-2fav (11-1) Tracked leaders, soon 4th, closed up from before straight travelling smoothly and soon led, slight mistake last, ridden to assert and stayed on well run-in, eased close home, won at Leopardstown 2m (1) Yielding in Dec beating Farclas (10-12) by 1 1/4l, 7 ran.
Farclas (FR) 10-1 (10-12) Held up in touch, went 3rd approaching last, ridden and stayed on well without troubling winner into 2nd close home, 2nd of 7, 1 1/4l behind Espoir D'allen (11-1) at Leopardstown 2m (1) Yielding in Dec.
Mr Adjudicator 5-4fav (11-0) Close up and disputed lead early, tracked leaders, improved to dispute lead on inner after final hurdle, led straight, asserted from over 1f out, stayed on well, easily, won at Leopardstown 2m mdn sft in Dec beating Room To Roam (11-0) by 7 1/2l, 19 ran.
Tenth Amendment (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, ridden and switched right straight, soon no impression, one pace, 5th of 7, 11 1/4l behind Espoir D'allen (11-1) at Leopardstown 2m (1) Yielding in Dec.
Grey Waters (IRE) 4-5fav (9-3) Led 2f, tracked leaders, ridden to chase clear winner 2f out, no impression final furlong, 2nd of 8, 3l behind Author's Dream (9-10) at Lingfield 2m hcp (5) pol in Jan.
Mitchouka (FR) Evensfav (11-3) Tracked leader in 2nd, improved to dispute lead 4 out, led next, went clear travelling well 2 out, stayed on strongly run-in, easily, won at Fairyhouse 2m sft in Jan beating Veneer Of Charm (11-0) by 8l, 4 ran.
