A third of this field are trained by Gordon Elliott but Davy Russell’s mount OAK PARK looks the one to be on having caught the eye under tender handling over course and distance on his hurdling debut and first run for the yard. Three Comets was still close up when unseating his rider in that contest so is also interesting but Instant Return has been frustrating to follow, though has yet to run a bad race over hurdles and found only one too good when favourite for a Limerick maiden on St Stephen’s Day. The well-bred Munaazil managed just one run on the Flat for Roger Varian so is best watched after a lay-off.
Brawny 10-1 (11-0) Mid-division, closer in 5th 4 out, weakened from next, pulled up before last, at Fairyhouse 2m mdn hvy in Dec.
Garrison Commander (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) In rear, no impression from 3 out, some late progress in straight, never a factor, 7th of 20, 26 1/4l behind Gealach (11-0) at Punchestown 2m mdn Good - Yielding in Dec.
Insane Bolt (IRE) 22-1 (11-0) Towards rear for most, ridden and no extra before 2 out, 18th of 22, dist behind Leagan Gaeilge (10-7) at Leopardstown 2m mdn sft in Dec.
Instant Return (IRE) 11-4fav (11-0) Always prominent, led until joined and disputed from 2nd where slight mistake, rider dropped whip and joined before 2 out, rallied under hands and heels before last where edged right, slight mistake and headed last, kept on run-in, 2nd of 14, 1 1/2l behind Bajan Excell (11-0) at Limerick 2m mdn hvy in Dec.
Munaazil (IRE) 9-1 (9-5) Held up, weakened over 2f out, 5th of 8, 9 1/4l behind Dubai Instinct (9-5) at Nottingham 1m 2f mdn stks (5) gf in Apr.
Oak Park (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Mid-division, 7th 3 out, went 5th next, soon ridden, 4th at last, kept on without threatening in 3rd close home, 3rd of 20, 8 3/4l behind Gealach (11-0) at Punchestown 2m mdn Good - Yielding in Dec.
Oliver Hardy 66-1 (11-0) Mid-division, no impression from 3 out, never a factor, 14th of 20, dist behind Gealach (11-0) at Punchestown 2m mdn Good - Yielding in Dec.
Three Comets (GER) 20-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, close enough in 4th when fell 2 out, at Punchestown 2m mdn Good - Yielding in Dec.
Whatever Youlike (IRE) Raven's Pass gelding out of Hovering.
Yafordadoe (IRE) 6-1 (11-0) Mid-division, slight mistake at 1st, 8th 3 out, no impression from next, 9th of 20, 27 1/2l behind Gealach (11-0) at Punchestown 2m mdn Good - Yielding in Dec.
Line Break (IRE) Mahler filly out of Stand In Line.
Pretty Fantasy (IRE) 100-1 (10-7) Mid-division early, towards rear halfway, ridden and no impression after 3 out, 13th of 22, 33 1/4l behind Leagan Gaeilge (10-7) at Leopardstown 2m mdn sft in Dec.
