held up towards rear in 5th, not fluent 1st, jumped slightly left 2nd, slight mistake 3 out, moderate 4th 2 out, moderate 3rd into straight, soon no impression, one pace
in rear, tended to jump slightly right, not fluent 3 out and next, no impression, 4th from before last
raced in 3rd, 2nd approaching straight, led approaching last, asserted run-in, easily
raced in 4th, no impression from 3 out, no extra from next, pulled up before last
raced in 2nd, challenged and slight mistake 2 out, led approaching straight, soon pushed along, headed approaching last, one pace
led, clear early, slight mistake 5th, pressed and mistake 2 out, headed and 3rd approaching straight, soon 4th and no extra, dropped to last from before last
Jezki and Faugheen have been the last two winners and the role of honour reads like a who's who. The very impressive Supreme Novices' Hurdle winner DOUVAN should have few problems adding to his already extensive portfolio as only Sizing John could be remotely considered a threat and he's been beaten twice by the selection, though he did get closer at Cheltenham. Rich Coast had Blair Perrone just behind in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse last time and this pair can fight it out for the minor berth.
Blair Perrone (IRE) 3-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, 8th halfway, progress into 4th 2 out, pushed along in 3rd last, no extra run-in, 4th of 9, 8l behind Sempre Medici (11-4) at Fairyhouse 2m nov hdl G2 (1) sft.
Cardinal Palace (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) In rear, never a factor, went 7th approaching last, kept on one pace, 6th of 9, 13l behind Sempre Medici (11-4) at Fairyhouse 2m nov hdl G2 (1) sft.
Douvan (FR) 2-1fav (11-7) Mid-division, steady headway after 3 out, led approaching last, clear flat, ridden out, stayed on well, won at Cheltenham 2m nov hdl Grade 1 (1) gs in Mar beating Shaneshill (11-7) by 4 1/2l, 12 ran.
Rich Coast 22-1 (11-7) Led, headed entering straight and 3rd 2 out, no impression in 4th last, kept on one pace, 3rd of 9, 6l behind Sempre Medici (11-4) at Fairyhouse 2m nov hdl G2 (1) sft.
Sizing John 25-1 (11-7) Tracked leader, led narrowly after 3 out, ridden and headed approaching last, kept on same pace, no extra in 3rd final 110 yards, 3rd of 12, 7l behind Douvan (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m nov hdl Grade 1 (1) gs in Mar.
Velocity Boy (IRE) 7-1 (11-6) Led, went clear at 4th, reduced advantage halfway, increased lead 4 out, pressed before 2 out where left clear, ridden after last, no extra close home and joined on line, won at Limerick 2m 4f nov hdl 0-130 hvy in Mar deadheating with Rogue Trader (11-3), 9 ran.
