Verdict

Balbir Du Mathan has had a dozen attempts to lose his maiden tag over fences without success but he's generally performed well at a higher level than this. It will be a surprise if he's not involved in the finish but VEINARD made a very promising debut over the bigger obstacles when finding only the odds-on Cadmium too good at Fairyhouse and has the scope to go on to better things. Mighty Stowaway was a long way behind Balbir Du Mathan at Thurles last time though that was his chasing bow and he should get closer. Winning point-to-pointer Sir Bob hasn't shown much to date under Rules.

Formwatch

Balbir Du Mathan (FR) 8-1 (11-12) Led, joined before 3 out, regained lead from 2 out, strongly pressed run-in, headed and no extra closing stages, one pace, 2nd of 16, 3l behind Pylonthepressure (11-12) at Thurles 2m sft in Feb.

Hidden Charmer (IRE) 66-1 (11-12) Held up, impeded 2nd and 5th, no danger 6th, kept on same pace without threatening, 7th of 16, 36l behind Pylonthepressure (11-12) at Thurles 2m sft in Feb.

Hugo 'n Taz 33-1 (11-12) Towards rear, headway after 4 out, pushed along in 5th early straight, no impression when left 4th and very badly hampered last, 4th of 9, 31l behind Cadmium (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 1f sft in Feb.

Mighty Stowaway (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, soon 4th, no impression and one pace approaching 3 out, 5th of 16, 28 1/4l behind Pylonthepressure (11-12) at Thurles 2m sft in Feb.

Sir Bob (IRE) 50-1 (11-12) Towards rear, pushed along briefly halfway, remote 5th 4 out, no impression from next, some modest late progress to dispute remote 4th on line, 4th of 8, dist behind Kemboy (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 5f hvy in Jan.

The Day Is Done (IRE) 100-1 (11-12) Mid-division best, moderate 7th approaching 7th, soon no danger, completely tailed off, 12th of 13, dist behind Jett (11-12) at Thurles 2m 2f sft in Nov.

Veinard (FR) 5-2 (11-12) Led, clear before 2nd, slight mistake 4th and reduced advantage before next, headed entering straight, pushed along approaching last, ridden and no impression on winner run-in, 2nd of 9, 5 1/2l behind Cadmium (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 1f sft in Feb.

Theatre Run (IRE) 11-1 (11-2) Tracked leaders on outer, ridden in 7th 4 out, soon weakened, pulled up before last, at Fairyhouse 2m 4f hcp sft in Nov.