chased leaders, 5th halfway, close 4th 3 out, dropped to rear entering straight, soon no extra, mistake last
tracked leader, 3rd halfway, progress to lead after 4 out, not fluent next, 2 lengths lead and mistake last, headed run-in and no impression on winner
tracked leaders, 2nd halfway, pushed along in 3rd after 4 out, 2nd and ridden approaching last, led run-in and kept on well
led, jumped left, headed after 4 out, ridden in 3rd and no impression before last, no extra
chased leaders, 4th halfway, pushed along in rear after 4 out, 5th and no extra approaching last
held up in rear, close 5th 3 out, no impression in 4th early straight, kept on one pace run-in
Dessie Hughes won this for the past three years and daughter Sandra will be keen to keep the tradition going with Sub Lieutenant, who was elevated straight into Grade 1 company after landing his maiden. He ran very well behind Sizing John on heavy going at Leopardstown but was beaten a long way back there earlier this month. Willie Mullins has two entries but Ruby Walsh won't have had the option which to ride as Bryan Cooper is claimed for the owner's MILSEAN. An impressive winning point-to-pointer and bumper, he made a winning start over hurdles before beaten at long odds-on by stablemate Measureofmydreams when sent over 2m6f here last month. It's by no means certain that the drop in trip will suit here but he still gets another chance. Sambremont has plenty going for him, including a victory in very heavy going at Tramore, so Ruby is likely to make this a stamina test which should certainly suit Fine Theatre, a surprise winner on heavy going at Fairyhouse. Goulane Chosen and Total Recall have plenty of improving to do if they are to get competitive.
Goulane Chosen (IRE) 2-1fav (11-1) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, progress to challenge 3 out and soon led, asserted 2 out, ridden and reduced advantage before last, disputed approaching last, kept on well run-in, won at Thurles 2m 6f mdn hdl beating Bitsandpieces (11-4) by 3 1/2l, 15 ran.
Milsean (IRE) 1-4fav (11-5) Led, not fluent 1st, 5 lengths lead halfway, not fluent 4 out, pushed along and headed before last, no impression on winner run-in, 2nd of 4, 2l behind Measureofmydreams (11-5) at Thurles 2m 6f nov hdl in Jan.
Sub Lieutenant (IRE) 28-1 (11-10) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, pushed along and dropped to rear before 2 out, no extra, 6th of 9, 32l behind Nichols Canyon (11-9) at Leopardstown 2m 2f nov hdl G2 (1).
Total Recall (IRE) 11-2 (11-12) Made all, 5 lengths lead halfway, reduced advantage and slight mistake 8th, pressed entering straight, ridden and kept on well run-in, won at Punchestown 2m 4f mdn hdl sft beating Oscar Knight (11-12) by 2 1/2l, 12 ran.
Fine Theatre (IRE) 20-1 (11-1) Soon tracked leaders, 4th at 5th, disputed 2nd approaching straight, on terms travelling smoothly 2 out, led between last 2, clear from before last, stayed on well run-in, easily, won at Fairyhouse 2m 4f mdn hdl in Jan beating Boris De Blae (11-1) by 13l, 12 ran.
Sambremont (FR) 8-15fav (11-1) Ran 4th, 3rd after 2nd, 2nd 4 out, 3rd 3 out, pushed along and on terms 2 out, soon driven, ridden in close 2nd at last, stayed on well to lead run-in, won at Tramore 2m 5f mdn hdl sft in Jan beating Perfect Woman (10-11) by 1 3/4l, 8 ran.
