tracked leaders early, took keen hold and improved to dispute lead at 3rd, headed 6th, progress to lead after 4 out, joined travelling well 2 out, ridden at last, led inside final furlong, stayed on well close home
held up in 5th, remote 5th before halfway, never a factor, continued tailed off, jumped left 2 out
tracked leaders, 3rd at 3rd, improved into 2nd entering straight, ridden in 3rd 2 out, no impression on leaders before last, kept on same pace
disputed lead, led 6th, headed after 4 out, 3rd entering straight, ridden to dispute lead 2 out, strongly pressed at last, headed inside final furlong, kept on same pace close home
disputed lead early, headed 2nd, dropped to moderate 4th at 3rd, no impression on leaders from halfway, kept on one paced in remote 4th
always behind in last, slight mistake 1st, trailing from next, completely tailed off when pulled up after 3 out
Three times a winner in France, BENIE DES DIEUX made a spectacular start over fences for Willie Mullins at Limerick, making all and coming home virtually alone. She was sent to Carlisle for a similar race to this in December and again looked impressive so it will take a big effort to beat her. The stable also run Asthuria, another all-the-way winner over this track and trip last month where she looked very progressive. Dinaria Des Obeaux won her first two starts over fences, the latter of them at this level, then ran twice in Grade 1 company before overcoming a couple of errors to win a Grade 2 at Thurles. She's only five and has plenty more victories in her so should give the Mullins' duo a run for their money. Youcantcallherthat was a long way behind the latter at Thurles while the remaining pair look outclassed.
Benie Des Dieux (FR) 8-13fav (11-0) Made all, clear run-in, very easily, won at Carlisle 2m 4f lst (1) sft in Dec beating Tacenda (11-0) by 8l, 5 ran.
Presenting Mahler (IRE) 50-1 (9-10) Tracked leaders early, soon mid-division, no danger from 8th, 11th of 20, dist behind Patricks Park (9-12) at Leopardstown 2m 1f hcp sft in Feb.
Dinaria Des Obeaux (FR) 11-10fav (10-7) Disputed lead, headed before 4th, 2nd halfway, headway to dispute approaching straight and ridden to lead after 2 out, 2 lengths clear when slight mistake last, stayed on well run-in, won at Thurles 2m 4f (1) hvy in Jan beating Magic Of Light (11-0) by 8l, 7 ran.
Asthuria (FR) 1-3fav (11-7) Made all, jumped right, clear from halfway, reduced advantage briefly 3 out, well clear from 2 out, stayed on strongly, unchallenged, won at Naas 2m Soft - Heavy in Jan beating Golden Flowerpower (11-7) by 15l, 6 ran.
Youcantcallherthat (IRE) 10-1 (11-0) Disputed lead, headed before 4th and 3rd halfway, headway approaching straight, close up when blundered and almost unseated rider 2 out, moderate 3rd last and no impression run-in, 3rd of 7, 19l behind Dinaria Des Obeaux (10-7) at Thurles 2m 4f (1) hvy in Jan.
Shangary Molly (IRE) 5-2 (11-11) Chsd ldrs, 3rd 1/2way, sn wknd twrds rr, rmndrs in rr aft 10th, to when pu bef 5out, at Belharbour 3m mdn Yielding - Soft in Feb.
