held up towards rear, closer in 5th 3 out, ridden in 4th 2 out, soon no impression and kept on one pace
soon led, headed after 2nd and chased leader, ridden entering straight, no extra before 2 out, weakened
held up towards rear, ridden and no impression 3 out, soon no extra and weakened
disputed briefly, chased leader before 1st, led after 2nd, slight mistake 3 out, ridden and pressed before last, joined last, headed closing stages of run-in and held close home
settled behind leaders, 4th halfway, closer 3 out, ridden in 2nd before 2 out, stayed on to dispute last, edged ahead closing stages of run-in
settled behind leaders in 3rd, mistake 1st, closer 3 out, ridden before 2 out, no impression before last where mistake, kept on one pace
held up towards rear, rear from 4th, weakened before 4 out, pulled up before 2 out
The USA-trained French Light ran a fine race when chasing home Thedevilscoachman in a Punchestown Listed contest even though disqualified for carrying a few pounds less than his correct weight. He would have a chance providing the ground doesn't get too testing. Alko Rouge showed his liking for heavy ground when making all at Navan but Bal De Rio was winning for the first time in 21 starts over hurdles at Thurles and, along with Belfast Banter, has something to find. On Eagles Wings looked one to follow when scoring over the course and distance but was put in his place by La Chanteuse at Down Royal while SHADOW RIDER's Limerick victory came over 2m4f. However, the latter has the scope to do better and may just outstay Goodbye Someday, whose three victories over the trip have been at a lower level.
French Light (FR) 22-1 (11-7) Settled behind leaders, 4th halfway, ridden into 3rd before last, stayed on in 2nd run-in without reaching winner, 2nd of 5, 2l behind Thedevilscoachman (11-13) at Punchestown 2m 1f lst (1) sft in Feb.
Alko Rouge (FR) 6-4fav (12-0) Made all, soon went on, slight mistake 3 out and reduced lead, stayed on well under pressure run-in, won at Navan 2m mdn hvy in Feb beating Coqolino (12-0) by 3 3/4l, 19 ran.
Bal De Rio (FR) 5-1 (12-0) Chased leaders, disputed 4th after 4th, closed up after 4 out, 2nd from next, effort straight, gained narrow lead and stayed on best run-in, won at Thurles 2m mdn hvy in Feb beating Hamundarson (11-6) by 1/2l, 15 ran.
Goodbye Someday (IRE) 14-1 (11-2) Led and disputed, headed before 3 out, ridden in 3rd 2 out, no impression before last, kept on one pace into 2nd run-in, 2nd of 8, 13l behind Grand Paradis (11-0) at Thurles 2m 5f (1) hvy in Feb.
On Eagles Wings (IRE) 11-10fav (11-12) Prominent and disputed lead, led after 6th, pushed along and headed approaching 2 out, no impression on winner before last, ridden and no extra run-in, 2nd of 6, 13l behind La Chanteuse (11-2) at Down Royal 2m 4f hvy in Feb.
Shadow Rider (FR) 12-1 (11-12) Mid-division, not fluent 3rd and 4th, 5th halfway, some headway to go 3rd briefly 2 out, soon ridden and no impression in 5th entering straight, no extra before last, 7th of 13, 33 1/4l behind Gaillard Du Mesnil (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m 6f (1) Soft - Heavy in Feb.
Delvino (IRE) 14-1 (11-1) Led or disputed lead, led 5th, pushed along and headed entering straight, soon no extra, weakened quickly after 2 out, last of 9, dist behind Roseys Hollow (11-1) at Fairyhouse 2m 2f (1) hvy in Feb.
Belfast Banter (IRE) 6-1 (11-6) Held up in touch in rear, headway on outer after 3 out, 3rd travelling well 2 out, ridden and disputed 2nd approaching last, 2nd at last, kept on without threatening winner inside final furlong, 2nd of 7, 8l behind Echoes In Rain (10-12) at Naas 1m 7f (1) Yielding - Soft in Feb.
