disputed lead, headed approaching 9th, on terms before 2 out where pecked slightly, pushed along between last 2, slight mistake last, narrowly headed run-in, a little tight for room and kept on same pace closing stages
chased front pair in rear, closed on inner approaching straight, on terms before 2 out, pushed along between last 2, gained narrow lead and edged slightly right run-in, stayed on best
disputed lead, led approaching 9th, pushed along into straight, soon under pressure and headed, dropped to last before 2 out where slight mistake, soon no impression, no extra before last, one pace
PONT ALEXANDRE turned back the clock with an exhilarating comeback on his return from injury at Punchestown last month. Once the great hope of the Willie Mullins camp after brilliant victories in novice hurdles, he jumped superbly on his chasing debut and can take this before heading for much better things. His stable companion Roi Des Francs looks a real threat. A Grade 3 novice winner over timber, he made a decent start over fences when close behind Monksland at Gowran then moved up to this trip and easily saw off Sub Lieutenant at Fairyhouse so should have no problems with the latter. Bonny Kate gets the mares' allowance and Noel Meade's youngster is by no means making up the numbers after her impressive victory at Fairyhouse.
Pont Alexandre (GER) 4-6fav (11-12) Led before 1st, pressed before 4 out, ridden after 2 out and soon asserted, steadied last, kept on strongly run-in, easily, won at Punchestown 2m 6f hvy in Dec beating Balbir Du Mathan (11-12) by 8 1/2l, 9 ran.
Roi Des Francs (FR) 8-13fav (11-12) Made all, pressed 3 out, asserted next, shaken up briefly run-in, easily, won at Fairyhouse 3m hvy in Dec beating Sub Lieutenant (11-12) by 6l, 9 ran.
Sub Lieutenant (IRE) 7-2 (11-12) Chased leader in 2nd, slight mistakes 8th and 4 out, closer and pressed leader 3 out, ridden and no impression next, kept on same pace, 2nd of 9, 6l behind Roi Des Francs (11-12) at Fairyhouse 3m hvy in Dec.
Bonny Kate (IRE) 5-1 (11-5) Close up, led after 2nd, slight mistake 6th, went on from before 3 out, pushed along to assert from next, stayed on well run-in,, won at Fairyhouse 2m 5f sft in Nov beating Marinero (11-12) by 6l, 18 ran.
