settled behind leaders, 7th halfway, ridden and no impression 3 out, hampered next, kept on one pace from last
slight mistake 1st, mid-division best, ridden and no impression 3 out
led, slight mistakes 2nd and 3rd, joined 3 out, left disputing and ridden 2 out, edged ahead run-in, kept on well under pressure close home
settled behind leaders, slight mistake 2nd, 5th halfway, slight mistake 3 out and soon no impression on leaders, ridden in moderate 4th entering straight, stayed on and slightly closer before last, under pressure and slight mistake last, kept on one pace
chased leader, 2nd halfway, improved to dispute 3 out, narrow lead when fell 2 out
settled behind leaders, 6th halfway, ridden and no extra 2 out
chased leaders, 3rd halfway, improved to challenge 3 out, soon disputed, left disputing and ridden 2 out, narrowly headed run-in, kept on
chased leaders, slight mistake 1st, mistake 2nd and slight mistake 4th, ridden 3 out and no extra before next
mid-division, slight mistake 3rd, pushed along briefly halfway, ridden and no extra before 3 out
held up towards rear, progress into moderate 7th 3 out, ridden into 3rd entering straight, stayed on and closer before last, under pressure when mistake last, kept on one pace
held up early, mid-division halfway, 6th before 3 out, slight mistake 3 out and no impression on leaders, soon ridden, fell next
held up, towards rear halfway, ridden and no impression before 2 out, moderate 5th entering straight, kept on one pace
Almost 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 while Politicise led for a long way at Leopardstown though could probably do with better ground.
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.
Politicise (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Led and disputed, ridden 2 out, headed before last, no extra and kept on one pace, 6th of 22, 11l behind Leagan Gaeilge (10-7) at Leopardstown 2m mdn sft 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.
