held up disputing 3rd, went 3rd at 3rd, ridden in moderate 3rd 3 out, went 2nd before next, no impression on winner before last, kept on same pace run-in
tracked leader in 2nd, slight mistake 2nd, jumped right and mistake at 4th, ridden in 2nd 3 out, dropped to moderate 3rd before next, soon no impression
made all, jumped left and mistake at 1st, pushed along 3 out, ridden clear after next, stayed on well run-in
held up disputing 3rd early, dropped to last at 3rd, no impression from 4 out, ridden after 3 out, no impression
Gordon Elliott has half the field engaged here but Duca De Thaix should have few problems seeing off stable companion Mrs Lovett, despite the latter's easy victory at Thurles. The former completed a double in handicaps at Fairyhouse before failing to get to grips with Grade 1 company at Leopardstown and this is more his level. However, he'd earlier been beaten in a tough battle by JETZ over this course and distance and on the same terms the winner, who has also been racing in top company, can confirm the form. Benruben is outclassed on what he's shown so far though will pick up some nice prize money if getting round.
Benruben (IRE) 20-1 (11-12) Mid-division early, closer behind leaders from 4th, 6th halfway, progress into 3rd 4 out, slight mistake 2 out and ridden, stayed on and closed on leaders last where mistake and hampered when left 2nd, pressed winner run-in, held in 2nd close home, 2nd of 12, 1l behind Ex Patriot (11-12) at Thurles 2m gd in Feb.
Duca De Thaix (FR) 8-1 (11-10) In rear, slight mistake 2nd, closed up from 9th, no impression in 4th from before last where left 3rd and badly hampered, one pace and soon dropped to last again, 4th of 6, 21 1/2l behind Le Richebourg (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m 1f (1) gd in Feb.
Jetz (IRE) 14-1 (11-10) Disputed lead early, headed 2nd, not fluent at 3rd, slight mistake 4 out, dropped to 4th briefly 3 out and pushed along, disputed 2nd on inner when checked entering straight, ridden and dropped to last before last, no impression, 4th of 6, 9l behind La Bague Au Roi (11-3) at Leopardstown 2m 5f (1) gd in Feb.
Mrs Lovett (IRE) 15-8 (11-7) Slightly impeded 1st, raced in 4th, 3rd from 6th, slightly impeded 4 out where 2nd, on terms travelling smoothly approaching straight, led before 2 out, soon ridden, left clear and stayed on well to assert from last, won at Thurles 2m 6f gd in Feb beating Sweet Destination (11-4) by 9 1/2l, 7 ran.
