tracked leaders in 3rd on outer, went 2nd 3f out, soon ridden, 3rd 2f out, regained 2nd and no impression on winner under 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong
in rear, ridden in moderate 6th 3f out, no impression
mid-division, ridden in moderate 7th 3f out, weakened
tracked leaders on inner, ridden in 4th under 3f out, soon no impression, kept on one pace
mid-division, headway into 3rd travelling well 3f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong
led, ran wide off bend after 3f, ridden 6f out, headed 5f out, weakened 3f out
rear of mid-division, weakened entering straight, soon no impression
tracked leader in 2nd, improved to lead 5f out, ridden and strongly pressed over 2f out, headed over 1f out, dropped to 3rd under 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong
always behind, weakened 5f out, tailed off
MOUNT PELIER gets closer with every start and found only one too good at Naas last time. The third has since boosted the form and Alan Fleming’s charge should make another bold bid. The Gigginstown duo Cuneo and Monition represent different trainers but both showed improvement to place on their respective latest starts. Rio Vivas, however, failed to land the odds at Thurles back in November. Where Eagles Dare is a half-brother to a bumper and chase winner and makes most appeal of the newcomers.
Cuneo (FR) 25-1 (11-12) Prominent, soon 2nd, effort straight, kept on same pace from before last, 3rd of 17, 10 1/4l behind Not Many Left (11-9) at Navan 2m 4f mdn hvy in Jan.
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 colt out of Kilcornan Lass.
Sizing Joshua (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Soon towards rear and pushed along at stages, no danger from before 9th, pulled up before 3 out, at Thurles 3m mdn Soft - Heavy in Feb.
Where Eagles Dare (IRE) Mahler gelding out of Tariana.
Ballycastle Girl (IRE) Oscar filly out of Spring Charm.
