disputed lead early, headed before 2nd, raced in 2nd then until fell 3rd
soon raced in 3rd, left 2nd and slightly impeded 3rd, closed up 5th, pushed along into straight, led approaching last, quickly asserted and stayed on well
in rear, impeded 3rd, closed from 8th, 3rd approaching straight, soon pushed along and no impression, one pace
soon raced in 4th, badly impeded 3rd and soon left in 3rd, pushed along from 8th, dropped to last approaching straight, soon no extra
disputed lead early, led before 2nd, headed approaching last, no extra and one pace after
Gordon Elliott has won the last two of these and last season's Triumph Hurdle winner Farclas is certain to make a bold bid after running well for a long way over 2m4f behind Apple's Jade in the Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse. However, he has to concede weight to ESPOIR D'ALLEN and was beaten just over a length by Gavin Cromwell's charge in a Leopardstown Grade 2 a year ago and there seems no reason for a form reversal. The selection may have been a bit fortunate to make a successful reappearance when Saldier fell at the last but that was a very pleasing run on his return from a long absence. The latter's trainer has two representatives here. Stormy Ireland is a front-runner who attempted to make all in the Triumph Hurdle but fell at the last when just headed. He's no forlorn hope nor is stable companion Saglawy, who ran very well in a hugely competitive handicap at Fairyhouse last time.
Farclas (FR) 16-1 (11-6) Towards rear, pushed along in moderate 8th entering straight, some modest late progress, never a factor, 6th of 9, 26 1/4l behind Apple's Jade (11-3) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f (1) gd in Dec.
Espoir D'Allen (FR) 3-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders in 3rd, headway to dispute lead on outer 2 out, soon ridden, disputing lead and under pressure when left clear at last, kept on run-in, won at Naas 2m (1) Good - Yielding in Nov beating Mr Adjudicator (11-10) by 11l, 6 ran.
Saglawy (FR) 14-1 (11-1) In rear, moderate 18th on outer entering straight, not fluent 2 out and soon pushed along, ridden in 4th and slight mistake at last, kept on well run-in, went 3rd close home, never nearer, 3rd of 21, 1 1/4l behind Wonder Laish (10-10) at Fairyhouse 2m hcp gd in Dec.
Masterstonemason (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Prominent, soon 2nd, slight mistake 2nd, slight mistake 4 out, soon pushed along, weakened approaching straight, last of 16, dist behind Chatham Street Lad (11-4) at Cork 2m hcp Soft - Heavy in Dec.
Stormy Ireland (FR) 5-4fav (11-0) Led, headed briefly 5th, asserted after 2 out, travelling well and 6 lengths clear last, stayed on well, very easily, won at Punchestown 2m 2f lst (1) gd in Nov beating Good Thyne Tara (11-3) by 8 1/2l, 7 ran.
