Verdict

Simple Steps looked one to follow when scoring at Thurles and almost following up at Punchestown but he was on the retreat when falling at the former track last time. PAPER LANTERN (NAP) was in tremendous form at this time last year and though much higher in the weights as a consequence looked on the way back when a close third at Naas last month and can carry top weight to victory with his rider's claim a real plus. Open To The World may find the ground too testing while Bandon Bridge didn't run well at Thurles last time and is only 1lb lower. Cappacurry Zak easily won a novices' chase at Limerick in December but has been well beaten subsequently.

Formwatch

Paper Lantern (IRE) 10-1 (11-9) Towards rear, headway into 6th 3 out, ridden in 4th 2 out, 3rd after last, kept on well under pressure run-in, 3rd of 11, 1l behind Dinnie's Vinnie (10-8) at Naas 3m hcp sft in Feb.

Cappacurry Zak (IRE) 11-1 (11-1) Always behind, under pressure 10th, trailing next, pulled up before 2 out, at Naas 3m hcp sft in Feb.

Mannin Island (IRE) 20-1 (11-12) Mid-division, 5th halfway, reminders after 7th, slight mistake next, pushed along and no extra from 3 out, weakened, 6th of 9, dist behind Cadmium (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 1f sft in Feb.

Simple Steps (IRE) 6-1 (11-11) Prominent, on terms 8th, headed from 4 out, slightly slow next, weakened and fell 2 out, at Thurles 3m hcp sft in Feb.

Instant Smile (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, slight mistake 8th, not fluent 10th, under pressure next, soon no extra and pulled up before 2 out, at Thurles 3m hcp sft in Feb.

Milanesque (IRE) 16-1 (11-9) Mid-division early, 9th from 9th, no impression when impeded 2 out, soon no extra, 7th of 18, dist behind Hawk Eye Down (10-10) at Thurles 3m hcp sft in Feb.

Bandon Bridge (IRE) 12-1 (11-6) Chased leaders, pushed along 11th, not fluent 4 out and no impression, kept on without threatening straight, 5th of 18, 17 1/4l behind Hawk Eye Down (10-10) at Thurles 3m hcp sft in Feb.

Open To The World (IRE) 14-1 (11-9) Led and disputed, ridden after 2 out, headed before last, no extra run-in, 7th of 11, 11 3/4l behind Gracemount (11-7) at Punchestown 2m 6f hcp Soft - Heavy in Nov.

Mountain Philip (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Mid-division, rider lost iron briefly 2nd, soon towards rear, ridden and no impression 5 out, weakened and pulled up before 3 out, at Down Royal 2m 6f hvy in Dec.

So Influential (IRE) 33-1 (11-12) Led, slight mistake last and pressed, ridden and headed entering straight, no extra in 4th 2f out, kept on one pace, 4th of 6, 18l behind Augustin (11-12) at Clonmel 2m 7f hvy in Feb.