Racecards
13:55 Leopardstown (IRE)
Deloitte Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) (Class 1)
- 5 Runners
- Distance: 2m 2f
- Going: Soft
- Surface: Turf
- €89,999 added
- Winner: €53,100
- 2nd: €17,101
- 3rd: €8,100
- 4th: €3,600
- Form 02-1111
- Age 6
- Weight 11-10
- Official Rating 150
- Trainer W P Mullins
- Jockey Ruby Walsh
led, not fluent 1st, joined 3 out, pushed along into straight, soon headed, 3rd and no impression approaching last where slight mistake, no extra
- Form 31-112
- Age 6
- Weight 11-10
- Official Rating 147
- Trainer G Elliott
- Jockey B J Cooper
held up, soon 4th, 3rd after 3 out, pushed along after 2 out, challenged straight, on terms from before last and and every chance, not match winner and kept on same pace from 150yds out
- Form 22-14
- Age 5
- Weight 11-9
- Official Rating 145
- Trainer W P Mullins
- Jockey B J Geraghty
took keen hold early, tracked leaders in 3rd, on terms 3 out, travelling smoothly into straight, soon pushed along to lead, joined from before last, led and stayed on best from 150yds out
- Form 321
- Age 5
- Weight 11-9
- Official Rating 130
- Trainer E P Harty
- Jockey Mark Walsh
prominent in 2nd, 3rd 3 out, soon 4th, pushed along and no impression from after 2 out, no extra straight, slight mistake last
- Form 1-113
- Age 5
- Weight 11-9
- Official Rating 145
- Trainer W P Mullins
- Jockey Paul Townend
held up in rear, mistakes 3rd and 5th, pushed along approaching 2 out, soon no impression, no extra straight
Previous results
In depth
Verdict
Willie Mullins has won the last three and intends to keep up the sequence with a trio of entries headed by BELLSHILL, unbeaten in four starts over timber and currently favourite for the Neptune. Already a winner at this level, albeit in a soft Grade 1 at Naas where his jumping could have been better, he continues to improve with every run and will take the world of beating. Petit Mouchoir, a close third behind stable companion Long Dog in the Future Champions here over Christmas, is by no means a forlorn hope here nor is Tombstone, who was just in front of her in that latter race. Gordon Elliott's charge was possibly a bit unlucky as he was untidy at a couple of hurdles and he's a superb prospect who will ensure the selection has a battle. Bleu Et Rouge finished fourth that day and though looking held will definitely be suited by the longer trip. Coney Island is a nice prospect who is taking a huge step-up in class after his impressive maiden victory here last month.
Formwatch
Bellshill (IRE) 2-5fav (11-10) Tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd 3 out, close 2nd travelling well when slight mistake 2 out, led before last and ridden clear run-in, stayed on well, won at Naas 2m 4f (1) hvy in Jan beating Last Encounter (11-10) by 5l, 5 ran.
Tombstone (IRE) 3-1 (11-10) Chased leaders and ran freely early, 5th halfway, ridden and progress on inner entering straight, stayed on into 2nd before last, kept on to press winner run-in, no extra closing stages, 2nd of 9, 3/4l behind Long Dog (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m (1) hvy in Dec.
Bleu Et Rouge (FR) 18-1 (11-7) Held up towards rear, slight mistake 5th, ridden entering straight, stayed on into 4th last, no impression on leaders, kept on same pace run-in, 4th of 9, 5l behind Long Dog (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m (1) hvy in Dec.
Coney Island (IRE) 13-8fav (11-7) Prominent, slight mistake 2nd, 4th from 6th, closed up before straight, soon challenged, led approaching last, soon asserted, pushed out and stayed on well run-in, easily, won at Leopardstown 2m mdn hvy in Dec beating Improver (11-7) by 9l, 17 ran.
Petit Mouchoir (FR) 10-1 (11-7) Mid-division early, progress into 4th halfway, slight mistake 3 out, ridden entering straight, stayed on into 3rd before last, slight mistake last, kept on same pace run-in, 3rd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Long Dog (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m (1) hvy in Dec.