disputed lead early, tracked leader and disputed again after 4th, led 2 out, asserted run-in and kept on well, comfortably
tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, closer after 2 out, 2nd and ridden approaching last, no impression on winner run-in, kept on one pace
prominent and led from 2nd, pecked badly 4th and joined, led or disputed lead until headed 2 out, ridden and dropped to 4th early straight, no impression and jumped left last, no extra
always towards rear, never a factor, moderate 7th halfway, no extra after 4 out, weakened
tracked leaders, 4th halfway, closer after 2 out, 3rd and pushed along approaching last where jumped left, no extra, kept on one pace
always towards rear, never a factor, no threat from 4 out, weakened
towards rear, some headway into 5th before halfway and closer at 7th, no impression 3 out and no threat in straight
always towards rear, slow 1st, moderate 6th halfway, no impression 4 out and slight mistake next, no threat in straight
Willie Mullins has won both previous renewals and Ciel De Neige will attract support on his chasing bow. A dual winner over hurdles in 17 starts, he's young enough to make the transition to fences. CROSSHILL is rated just 1lb below him over timber having beaten the very smart Vanillier easily in a Punchestown maiden a year ago and he only just failed to give Lady Breffni 6lb in a Grade B handicap at Fairyhouse. He looks to have more scope than his rival and gets the nod. Soviet Pimpernel is a Grade 3 hurdles winner but has had jumping problems over fences and Coulonces took a crashing fall at Cork last week so may need a confidence-booster.
Ciel De Neige (FR) 11-8jfav (11-12) Tracked leaders in 3rd, took keen hold, headway to dispute lead before 2 out, pushed along 2 out, ridden approaching last, headed after last, no impression on winner inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 2nd of 4, 4l behind Queens Brook (11-1) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f Yielding in Nov.
Crosshill (IRE) 15-2 (11-12) Held up towards rear, mistake 3rd, slight mistake 4 out, ridden in 6th after 3 out, no extra next, weakened entering straight, tailed off, last of 8, dist behind Galopin Des Champs (11-11) at Punchestown 3m (1) Yielding in Apr.
Dark Spark (IRE) 13-2 (11-2) Tracked leader, 2nd halfway, headway to lead 3 out, pushed along and headed early straight, ridden and no impression on winner before last, kept on one pace, 3rd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Top Bandit (11-2) at Punchestown 2m Yielding in Nov.
Difficult Decision (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Soon towards rear, no extra before 3 out, pulled up before last, at Punchestown 2m 5f hcp Yielding in Apr.
Soviet Pimpernel (IRE) 7-1 (12-0) In touch, moderate 5th at 5th where not fluent, took closer order in 4th after 4 out, mistake 3 out, jumped left 2 out, weakened, 4th of 13, 17 1/4l behind Take All (12-0) at Wexford 2m hvy in Oct.
The Eye Of Tulla (IRE) 400-1 (12-0) Always towards rear, bad mistake 3 out, never a factor, 13th of 14, dist behind Gabynako (12-0) at Fairyhouse 2m 5f Good - Yielding in Nov.
Top Line Tommy (IRE) 50-1 (12-0) Always towards rear, no extra before 4 out, pulled up before 3 out, at Cork 2m 5f sft in Nov.
Coulonces (FR) 40-1 (11-9) Held up behind leaders, 5th when fell heavily at 5th, at Cork 2m 1f sft in Nov.
