tracked leaders, 4th halfway, closer 3 out and ridden in 2nd entering straight, no impression on winner approaching last where slight mistake, kept on one pace
tracked leader, 3rd at 5th, headway 3 out and close 2nd next, soon pushed along and no impression in 3rd early straight, not fluent last, kept on one pace
made all, travelled well and asserted approaching last, ridden and drew clear run-in
always towards rear, never a factor, pushed along and no impression in 5th approaching last, kept on one pace
tracked leaders, ran freely, headway into 2nd before 5th, dropped to 4th after 3 out, not fluent next, pushed along and no extra approaching straight, weakened, slight mistake last
ran 5th, pushed along and some headway after 2 out, ridden and no impression in 4th before last, kept on one pace
Gordon Elliott will be anxious to test MENGLI KHAN after he ducked out at the second last when leading the field in a calamitous Future Champions Novice Hurdle at Leopardstown. Already a Grade 1 winner at Fairyhouse, he was in front and looking likely to stay there when the mishap occurred leaving Whiskey Sour to gain a very fortunate victory after two stable companions fell at the last. He has a Grade 1 penalty to carry here and faces a strong challenge from the Willie Mullins yard and from the very progressive mare High School Days, who deserves this step-up in grade after completing a hat-trick in handicaps and novice company. After running out on his debut between the flags, Getabird is unbeaten and was conceding Hardline 5lb when beating him in a Gowran bumper a year ago. He was always travelling well when making a successful hurdling bow on this track, while stable companion Carter McKay was equally impressive on very testing ground at Gowran.
Mengli Khan (IRE) Evensfav (11-7) Soon tracked leaders, 2nd approaching 4th, led before next, not fluent 3 out, ran out 2 out, at Leopardstown 2m (1) sft in Dec.
Carter Mckay 10-11fav (11-12) Soon tracked leader, closed up travelling smoothly straight, marginal lead when left clear last, stayed on well, won at Gowran Park 2m mdn hvy in Nov beating Wings Like Arion (11-5) by 15l, 8 ran.
Getabird (IRE) 2-5fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, 5th halfway, closer in 3rd 3 out, travelled well to lead entering straight, pushed out to assert approaching last, ridden and kept on well run-in, won at Punchestown 2m 4f mdn hvy in Dec beating Impact Factor (11-12) by 7l, 12 ran.
Top Othe Ra (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Chased leaders on outside, every chance 2 out, hung right and weakened between last 2, 8th of 17, 11 1/4l behind Hunters Call (10-3) at Ascot 2m hcp (1) gs in Dec.
Makitorix (FR) 33-1 (11-7) Disputed lead early, prominent, 3rd after 3rd, soon lost place, last from 3 out and no extra, left 6th from 2 out and distant 4th from last, 4th of 7, dist behind Whiskey Sour (11-7) at Leopardstown 2m (1) sft in Dec.
High School Days (USA) 9-2 (10-13) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, took closer order 4 out, 3rd 3 out, improved to lead before 2 out, travelled well and asserted before last, kept on well, easily, won at Thurles 2m hcp hvy in Dec beating Dorkas (9-10) by 4 3/4l, 11 ran.
Hardline (IRE) 25-1 (11-10) Disputed lead early, soon led, headed before 5th, dropped to 5th from 3 out, soon no impression, left 3rd and kept on same pace from last, 3rd of 7, 20l behind Whiskey Sour (11-7) at Leopardstown 2m (1) sft in Dec.
