Rio Vivas could only manage third when odds-on on his debut under Rules at Thurles but he’s almost certainly better than that. However, MOUNT PELIER sets a decent standard on seconds at Leopardstown and Naas and Alan Fleming’s gelding can grab a first victory today. Monition ran well over a longer trip over hurdles at Punchestown in January so it’s a surprise to see him running in a bumper. Where Eagles Dare is an 80,000 euros half-brother to a winning hurdler so is worth a market check, as is the Oscar mare Ballycastle Girl.
Madison To Monroe (IRE) 7-1 (11-10) Soon led, headed over 3f out, weakened from before straight, tailed off, 10th of 12, dist behind Carefully Selected (12-0) at Leopardstown 2m 4f sft in Dec.
Monition (IRE) 14-1 (11-9) Prominent, soon 3rd, pecked 7th, challenged before 2 out, kept on same pace from before last, 3rd of 8, 7 3/4l behind Eagle Lion (11-12) at Punchestown 2m 4f mdn hvy in Jan.
Mount Pelier (IRE) 11-4 (11-12) Mid-division, progress into 5th 5f out, challenged over 3f out, ridden in 3rd 2f out, under pressure over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong to 2nd close home, 2nd of 11, 1 3/4l behind The Big Dog (11-12) at Naas 2m 3f Soft - Heavy in Jan.
Rio Vivas (FR) 1-2fav (12-0) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, improved to dispute 2 1/2f out, ridden 2f out, under pressure in 2nd 1 1/2f out, no extra in 3rd inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 3rd of 9, 7l behind Gun Digger (12-0) at Thurles 2m hvy in Nov.
Russian Soldier (IRE) Kaieteur H out of Kilcornan Lass.
Ruthless Article (IRE) 25-1 (11-11) Mid-division, ridden in 6th 5f out, soon no extra and weakened, tailed off, 5th of 8, dist behind Brace Yourself (11-11) at Down Royal 2m hvy in Dec.
Where Eagles Dare (IRE) Mahler gelding out of Tariana.
Ballycastle Girl (IRE) Oscar M out of Spring Charm.
