Tipps

Forecast:

0.67 ENVOI ALLEN (FR); 7.00 SHAN BLUE (IRE); 7.50 CHANTRY HOUSE (IRE); 8.00 CHATHAM STREET LAD (IRE); 11.00 AND BETTER OTHERS.

Preview:

Despite Al Boum Photo going for three Gold Cups in a row, and a number of other top-class performers running at Prestbury Park this week, ENVOI ALLEN is arguably the headline act of this year's Festival and he looks banker material. A recent stable switch would have to be in the back of the mind but providing that hasn't thrown the seven-year-old in any way at all, and he does seem a laid-back character, he should prove far too good for these rivals. A perfect Rules record of 11 from 11 includes two previous Festival victories and he hasn't put a foot wrong in three chase starts so far this season. It's very hard to knock this big, imposing son of Muhtathir and it would be one of the shocks of the week were he to get turned over. Shan Blue jumps for fun and possibly just got bogged down slightly when turned over in the Scilly Isles at Sandown last time. He will be on the sharp end here and should give a good account, while last season's Supreme Novice third Chantry House also has solid place credentials.

Horse comments:

Horse	Comment
1 - ASTERION FORLONGE (FR)	7-1 (11-12) Held up, ridden into 4th before last, soon no impression and kept on same pace, 4th of 8, 18l behind Monkfish (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 5f nov chs G1 (1) sft in Feb
2 - BLACKBOW (IRE)	40-1 (11-12) Towards rear, headway on inner into mid-division halfway, 4th 3 out, 2nd and pushed along entering straight, 3rd and ridden run-in, no impression and kept on one pace, 3rd of 9, 11l behind Energumene (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 1f nov chs G1 (1) sft in Feb
3 - CHANTRY HOUSE (IRE)	4-5fav (11-4) Always prominent, led 3 out, nudged along flat, readily, won at Wetherby 2m 5f nov chs (4) sft in Feb beating Coconut Splash (10-12) by 3 1/2l, 5 ran
4 - CHATHAM STREET LAD (IRE)	7-4fav (11-1) Disputed lead, led from 4 out, mistake and ridden 2 out, headed after 2 out, 3rd at last, kept on same pace in 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 14, 12l behind Daly Tiger (11-2) at Fairyhouse 2m 1f hcap ch hvy in Jan
5 - DARVER STAR (IRE)	8-1 (11-12) Mid-division, dropped towards rear halfway, no impression 2 out and eased in rear early straight, kept on one pace run-in, never a factor, 7th of 9, 35l behind Energumene (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 1f nov chs G1 (1) sft in Feb
6 - ENVOI ALLEN (FR)	1-2fav (12-0) Tracked leader, left in lead 1st, almost joined from before 2 out, travelling smoothly straight and went on, reduced lead and pushed out to assert run-in, stayed on well, comfortably, won at Punchestown 2m 4f nov chs Grd 3 (1) hvy in Jan beating Fils D'oudairies (11-3) by 3 1/2l, 5 ran
7 - FUSIL RAFFLES (FR)	16-5 (11-8) Chased leader, mistake 13th, lost 2nd before 3 out, went 2nd again approaching last, led flat, stayed on, driven out, won at Cheltenham 2m 5f nov chs (2) sft in Dec beating Lieutenant Rocco (11-0) by 4l, 4 ran
8 - SHAN BLUE (IRE)	2-1fav (11-4) Chased leader and keen, led 9th, pushed along after 3 out, ridden after next, joined last, idled hung left and headed final 150 yards, no extra, 2nd of 7, 4l behind Sporting John (11-4) at Sandown 2m 4f nov chs G1 (1) hvy in Feb

Tipps

Forecast:

4.50 IMPERIAL ALCAZAR (IRE); 5.50 CHAMPAGNE PLATINUM (IRE); 6.00 THE BOSSES OSCAR (IRE); 10.00 BRINKLEY (FR); COME ON TEDDY (IRE); MRS MILNER (IRE); 11.00 AND BETTER OTHERS.

Preview:

The Irish have won the last five renewals of this and the Leopardstown qualifier from their Christmas Festival could provide the best guide to the challenge from the Emerald Isle, with Dandy Mag (first), The Bosses Oscar (second) and Mrs Milner (fourth) all engaged here. It is interesting to see Jordan Gainford booked aboard the aforementioned The Bosses Oscar. He may be the pick of the Irish contingent and his rider's 7lb claim could prove invaluable when trying to defy the lofty mark of 151 given by the handicapper. However, it could be time for Fergal O'Brien to break his Cheltenham Festival duck with IMPERIAL ALCAZAR, who won with ease at Warwick in January. O'Brien's Barney Dwan plotted a similar course when second to Presenting Percy in this race in 2017 and the handler's imposing son of Vinnie Roe can take a 7lb rise for that recent victory in his stride. Come On Teddy, third on that occasion, comes into the reckoning off the same mark, while the Haydock qualifier won by Bushypark requires plenty of attention, with Champagne Platinum (second) and Everglow (third) players in this. The improving Brinkley goes in search of a hat-trick for David Pipe, while at longer odds there could be plenty of value in Spiritofthegames and Kansas City Chief, the latter 7lb lower than when sixth in the race last year.

Horse comments:

Horse	Comment
1 - THE BOSSES OSCAR (IRE)	11-2 (11-3) Rear of mid-division, headway after 3 out and 5th next, pushed along and progress to dispute lead approaching last, ridden and led early run-in, headed inside final 100 yards, no impression on winner, 2nd of 20, 1l behind Dandy Mag (10-13) at Leopardstown 3m hcp hdl sft in Dec
2 - UNOWHATIMEANHARRY	11-2 (11-5) Held up towards rear, not fluent 3 out, headway approaching 2 out, no impression, weakened before last, 10th of 12, 19l behind Come On Teddy (10-2) at Cheltenham 3m hcp hdl (2) sft in Dec
3 - BRINKLEY (FR)	10-3 (10-7) Mid-division, headway after 5th, challenged 3 out, led next, jumped right last, stayed on well, won at Exeter 2m 7f hcp hdl (2) hvy in Feb beating Tommy Rapper (10-3) by 3 1/2l, 10 ran
4 - DANDY MAG (FR)	18-1 (11-2) Held up in mid-division, ridden into 7th 2 out, no impression entering straight, soon no extra, 10th of 22, 35l behind Maze Runner (9-8) at Leopardstown 3m hcap hdle in Feb
5 - IMPERIAL ALCAZAR (IRE)	5-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, headway when not much room and stumbled bend after 3 out, challenged 2 out, led before last, clear flat, eased close home, won at Warwick 3m 1f hcp hdl (2) hvy in Jan beating Mr Harp (10-0) by 2 1/4l, 13 ran
6 - ASK DILLON (IRE)	3-1fav (10-6) Tracked leaders, lost place 3rd, not fluent next, closed after 5th, lost place again before 6th, effort 8th, struggling before 3 out, went 4th and plugged on from 2 out, 4th of 10, 13l behind Brinkley (10-7) at Exeter 2m 7f hcp hdl (2) hvy in Feb
7 - COPPERHEAD	8-1 (11-12) Held up on outside, closed 4th, driven after 2 out, weakened before last, 5th of 6, 10l behind Blackjack Kentucky (10-12) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl (2) sft in Feb
8 - KEEPER HILL (IRE)	13-2 (11-12) Tracked leader, pressed leader and travelling well 5 out, pushed along and disputed the lead 3 out and 2 out, every chance when not fluent last, no extra run-in, 3rd of 8, 4 1/2l behind Taxmeifyoucan (10-7) at Musselburgh 3m 2f hcp hdl (2) sft in Feb
9 - SPIRITOFTHEGAMES (IRE)	5-1 (11-5) Held up on inside, closed 7th, went 2nd before last, stayed on, always just held, 2nd of 6, 1l behind Blackjack Kentucky (10-12) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl (2) sft in Feb
10 - STORM ARISING (IRE)	6-1 (11-5) Mid-division, closed after 4th lost place before 5th, not fluent 7th, closed from after 8th, led before last, edged right flat, stayed on, won at Chepstow 3m (2) sft in Jan beating Ask Dillon (11-5) by 1 1/4l, 12 ran
11 - CHAMPAGNE PLATINUM (IRE)	6-1 (11-12) Midfield, nudged before 3 out, awkward 2 out and still plenty to do, soon ridden, stayed on strongly after the last, 2nd of 12, 9l behind Bushypark (10-8) at Haydock 3m hcp hdl (2) sft in Feb
12 - SOUTHFIELD HARVEST	4-1fav (11-9) Midfield, hampered first, headway to track leaders 4 out, ridden before 2 out, every chance last, no extra final 110 yards, 3rd of 16, 4l behind Polish (11-4) at Newbury 3m hcp hdl 0-145 (2) gs in Feb
13 - NO COMMENT	12-1 (11-1) Held up in rear on inside, not fluent 4th or 7th, headway 8th, held in 4th 3 out, went 8 lengths 3rd when fell 2 out, in a race won by Nightboattoclyro (10-2) at Wetherby 2m 4f hcp hdl (2) sft in Feb, 9 ran
14 - ANYTHING WILL DO (IRE)	28-1 (10-7) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, 2nd before 3 out, ridden to lead entering straight, soon pressed, headed before last, no extra run-in, kept on one pace, 5th of 22, 18l behind Maze Runner (9-8) at Leopardstown 3m hcap hdle in Feb
15 - GETAROUND (IRE)	5-2fav (11-2) In touch, ridden for effort when headed before 3 out, weakened before 2 out, 5th of 7, 21l behind Captain Zebo (11-5) at Carlisle 3m 1f hcp hdl (2) sft in Dec
16 - MRS MILNER (IRE)	7-1 (11-1) Chased leaders, fell 5th, in a race won by Heaven Help Us (10-5) at Leopardstown 2m 2f in Feb, 20 ran
17 - REDFORD ROAD	10-1 (11-6) Prominent, ridden before 3 out where 2nd, lost a couple of places late on, 4th of 12, 13l behind Bushypark (10-8) at Haydock 3m hcp hdl (2) sft in Feb
18 - COME ON TEDDY (IRE)	9-2fav (10-11) Held up in rear, headway after 3 out, driven and switched right before last, soon went 3rd, kept on, no impression on winner, 3rd of 13, 5l behind Imperial Alcazar (11-2) at Warwick 3m 1f hcp hdl (2) hvy in Jan
19 - PERFECT MAN (IRE)	17-2 (10-13) Held up, not fluent 5th, headway 8th, not fluent 3 out, outpaced next, soon switched right, mistake last, stayed on flat, 4th of 6, 5l behind Blackjack Kentucky (10-12) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl (2) sft in Feb
20 - BUSHYPARK (IRE)	8-1 (10-8) Led, asked to quicken approaching 3 out, ridden after 2 out, impressive, won at Haydock 3m hcp hdl (2) sft in Feb beating Champagne Platinum (11-12) by 9l, 12 ran

Tipps

Forecast:

4.00 ALLAHO (FR); 5.00 MIN (FR); 6.00 IMPERIAL AURA (IRE); 6.50 MELON; 8.00 FAKIR D'OUDAIRIES (FR); MISTER FISHER (IRE); SAINT CALVADOS (FR); 11.00 AND BETTER OTHERS.

Preview:

Willie Mullins has a strong hand with four runners and last year's winner, Min, holds solid claims being the choice of Paul Townend. The 10-year-old was a little disappointing last time at Leopardstown, but could return to some form now upped to his preferred distance. Allaho's victory over Elimay at Thurles in January looks like strong form and he wears a first-time tongue-tie under Rachael Blackmore, while Melon has Festival form figures of 2222 in the last four years and wouldn't be winning out of turn under Bryan Cooper. Imperial Aura unseated at Kempton earlier this year but previously looked progressive when recording victories at Ascot and Carlisle, though preference at the current prices is for SAINT CALVADOS. Beaten a neck by Min 12 months ago, he might have won that day with a better jump at the last. This is his time of year and positive tactics are likely to be utilised by regular rider Gavin Sheehan.

Horse comments:

Horse	Comment
1 - ALLAHO (FR)	10-11fav (11-5) Prominent, jumped left 1st and led from 2nd, 4 lengths lead 3 out and slight mistake next, pressed and slight mistake last, ridden to assert and kept on well run-in, won at Thurles 2m 4f chs Grd 2 (1) in Jan beating Elimay (11-3) by 3l, 7 ran
2 - CHRIS'S DREAM (IRE)	11-2 (11-12) Very poor visibility) tracked leaders, raced keenly, closer in 2nd at 5th, still 2nd when mistake and pushed along 4 out, ridden and no impression before 2 out, no extra in moderate 4th before last, kept on one pace, 5th of 7, 23l behind Min (11-12) at Punchestown 2m 4f chs G1 (1) hvy in Dec
3 - DASHEL DRASHER	4-1 (11-7) Led until mistake and headed 1st, chased leader, hit 6th and next, closer and upsides 8th, led approaching 12th, ridden between last 2, over 4 lengths ahead when jumped slowly last, idled badly and edged left run-in, always doing enough, won at Ascot 2m 5f chs G1 (1) sft in Feb beating Master Tommytucker (11-7) by 2l, 5 ran
4 - FAKIR D'OUDAIRIES (FR)	28-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, 2nd after 4 out and headway to challenge 2 out, pushed along and led briefly approaching last, ridden and no impression on winner run-in, kept on one pace, 2nd of 6, 8l behind Chacun Pour Soi (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 1f chs G1 (1) sft in Feb
5 - FANION D'ESTRUVAL (FR)	10-3 (11-0) In touch on outer, pushed along after 8th, not fluent 4 out, beaten when mistake last, 4th of 6, 16l behind Sceau Royal (11-0) at Newbury 2m chs G2 (1) gs in Feb
6 - IMPERIAL AURA (IRE)	1-1fav (11-6) Tracking leader when blundered and unseated rider 2nd, in a race won by Master Tommytucker (11-0) at Kempton 2m 4f chs G2 (1) gs in Jan, 4 ran
7 - KALASHNIKOV (IRE)	10-3 (11-0) In touch, slow 8th and 10th, headway to challenge approaching 4 out, ridden before 3 out, kept on one pace from last, 3rd of 7, 5l behind Secret Investor (11-0) at Newbury 2m 7f chs G2 (1) gs in Feb
8 - MELON	7-2 (11-12) Held up early, slight mistake 7th, closer in 3rd halfway, rear after 2 out, ridden and no impression before last, kept on one pace, last of 5, 9l behind Kemboy (11-12) at Leopardstown 3m chs G1 (1) sft in Feb
9 - MIN (FR)	4-1 (11-12) Led or disputed lead early, headed 2nd, remained prominent, slight mistake 6th, bad mistake 7th, dropped to rear and pulled up before next, in a race won by Chacun Pour Soi (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 1f chs G1 (1) sft in Feb, 6 ran
10 - MISTER FISHER (IRE)	9-2 (11-3) Led, headed before 2nd, chased leader until 8th, mistake 12th, led before 2 out, pressed 150 yards out, stayed on well, in command final 75 yards, won at Cheltenham 2m 4f Grade 2 chs (4yo+) (1) sft in Dec beating Kalashnikov (11-0) by 1 3/4l, 8 ran
11 - REAL STEEL (FR)	22-1 (11-10) Held up in last pair, hit 10th, headway on inside chasing leaders and pushed along before 3 out, weakened quickly and pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Frodon (11-10) at Kempton 3m Grade 1 chs (4yo+) (1) gs in Dec, 9 ran
12 - SAINT CALVADOS (FR)	11-2 (11-0) Waited with in rear, blundered and unseated rider 17th, in a race won by Native River (11-6) at Sandown 3m chs Grd 2 (1) hvy in Feb, 6 ran
13 - SAMCRO (IRE)	18-1 (11-12) Rear of mid-division, pushed along and no extra after 4 out, behind when pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by A Plus Tard (11-12) at Leopardstown 3m chs G1 (1) in Dec, 14 ran
14 - TORNADO FLYER (IRE)	20-1 (11-12) Towards rear, slight mistake 2nd, in rear 4 out, pushed along 2 out, 4th and ridden early straight, no impression before last, under pressure and kept on one pace run-in, 4th of 6, 16l behind Chacun Pour Soi (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 1f chs G1 (1) sft in Feb

Tipps

Forecast:

1.75 PAISLEY PARK (IRE); 4.00 SIRE DU BERLAIS (FR); 7.00 FLOORING PORTER (IRE); VINNDICATION (IRE); 10.00 LISNAGAR OSCAR (IRE); THE STORYTELLER (IRE); 11.00 AND BETTER OTHERS.

Preview:

Paisley Park has bounced back from the heart issue that stopped him in this race 12 months ago having landed the Long Walk at Ascot, when arriving with a sustained effort to grab Thyme Hill in the dying strides. The 2019 winner comes into this fresh, having not had his usual preparation in the Cleeve Hurdle, and boasts strong credentials in his bid to regain his crown. Lisnagar Oscar took advantage of Emma Lavelle's star underperforming last year and he returned to form after a wind operation when runner-up at Haydock last month, but he faces a tougher assignment in his attempt to make it back-to-back victories. Flooring Porter improved through the handicap ranks and arrives having won at the highest level when beating SIRE DU BERLAIS at Leopardstown over Christmas. However, the latter boasts a strong Festival record, being a dual winner of the Pertemps, and the return to Prestbury is likely to unlock further progression from the nine-year-old. His stable companions, Fury Road and The Storyteller, are others who enter calculations.

Horse comments:

Horse	Comment
1 - BACARDYS (FR)	18-1 (11-10) Held up towards rear, progress into 6th after 3 out, ridden and no impression before 2 out, kept on one pace, 5th of 10, 23l behind Sams Profile (11-5) at Gowran Park 3m hdl G2 (1) hvy in Jan
2 - BEACON EDGE (IRE)	15-8 (11-8) Prominent, soon 2nd, closed up straight and effort, stayed on well run-in to lead near finish, won at Navan 2m 5f hdl G2 (1) hvy in Feb beating Fury Road (11-10) by nk, 6 ran
3 - FLOORING PORTER (IRE)	11-1 (11-12) Made all and soon clear, reduced advantage 5th and slight mistake next, 4 lengths lead halfway, pushed along entering straight and edged left after jumping last, ridden and kept on well run-in, won at Leopardstown 3m hdl G1 (1) sft in Dec beating The Storyteller (11-12) by 6l, 7 ran
4 - FURY ROAD (IRE)	11-8fav (11-10) Led, strongly pressed from 2 out, kept on well run-in, headed near finish, 2nd of 6, nk behind Beacon Edge (11-8) at Navan 2m 5f hdl G2 (1) hvy in Feb
5 - IF THE CAP FITS (IRE)	9-4 (11-0) Bit wide, chased leaders, went 2nd 3rd until 5th, hit 11th, 2nd again hit 13th, led 4 out, pushed along and joined 3 out, strongly pressed and headed between last 2, well held last, weakened run-in, 2nd of 6, 5l behind Yala Enki (11-0) at Taunton 3m 4f chs (2) sft in Jan
6 - LIL ROCKERFELLER (USA)	16-5 (11-0) Kept out wide, led, headed briefly 3rd, joined from 2 out, battled on well until headed and no extra inside final 110 yards, 2nd of 8, nk behind On The Blind Side (11-4) at Market Rasen 2m 7f hdl (2) hvy in Jan
7 - LISNAGAR OSCAR (IRE)	6-1 (11-8) Contested lead, hampered slightly 1st and sat 2nd, led 8th, squeezed before 3 out and quickened, ridden after last and headed, rallied late on, 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind Third Wind (11-2) at Haydock 3m hdl G2 (1) sft in Feb
8 - MAIN FACT (USA)	8-1 (11-6) Held up in rear, mistake 3rd, hit 4 out and pushed, ridden after 3 out and some progress, kept on without threatening, 4th of 8, 15l behind Third Wind (11-2) at Haydock 3m hdl G2 (1) sft in Feb
9 - PAISLEY PARK (IRE)	9-4 (11-7) Held up off the pace in last pair, steady headway on inside approaching 4 out, still only 5th and plenty to do jumping 2 out, headway soon after, 3rd at the last, stayed on dourly run-in to lead near finish, won at Ascot 3m hdl G1 (1) hvy in Dec beating Thyme Hill (11-7) by nk, 8 ran
10 - RESERVE TANK (IRE)	20-1 (11-3) Held up towards rear, jumped left 3 out and ridden, soon lost touch, plugged on from 2 out, 5th of 6, 10l behind Brewin'upastorm (11-3) at Fontwell 2m 3f hdl G2 (1) gs in Feb
11 - SAM SPINNER	22-1 (11-0) Prominent, awkward 4th, dropped to rear 8th, struggling before 3 out, last of 10, well behind Thyme Hill (11-3) at Newbury 3m hdl G2 (1) gd in Nov
12 - SIRE DU BERLAIS (FR)	11-4 (11-12) Chased leader, 4th halfway, pushed along and closer in 3rd before 2 out, ridden and no impression approaching last, went 2nd at last, kept on one pace, dropped to 3rd close home, 3rd of 7, 7l behind Flooring Porter (11-12) at Leopardstown 3m hdl G1 (1) sft in Dec
13 - THE STORYTELLER (IRE)	20-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear, closer after 3 out, ridden in 3rd after 2 out, disputed 2nd last, 2nd and kept on run-in, no impression on winner, 2nd of 5, 2l behind Kemboy (11-12) at Leopardstown 3m chs G1 (1) sft in Feb
14 - VINNDICATION (IRE)	15-2fav (11-11) Chased leaders out wide, went 2nd 8th until 11th, handy 3rd when fell 5 out, in a race won by Cloth Cap (10-0) at Newbury 3m 2f Grade 3 hcp chs (4yo+) (1) gd in Nov, 18 ran
15 - YOUNEVERCALL (IRE)	13-2 (11-0) Pushed along at times, chased leaders on inside, tracked leader after 2nd until before 5th, weakened before 3 out, pulled up, in a race won by Mcfabulous (11-3) at Kempton 2m 5f hdl G2 (1) sft in Jan, 7 ran

Tipps

Forecast:

5.50 THE SHUNTER (IRE); 6.00 A WAVE OF THE SEA (IRE); FARCLAS (FR); 8.00 CARIBEAN BOY (FR); FILS D'OUDAIRIES (FR); 10.00 MISTER WHITAKER (IRE); 11.00 AND BETTER OTHERS.

Preview:

Many eyes will be on The Shunter, who bids to scoop a 100,000-pound bonus after winning the Morebattle Hurdle at Kelso earlier this month. He ran a blinder over fences on his penultimate start at the Dublin Racing Festival, and won over timber here at the November Meeting, so he has a definite chance of pulling it off, but preference is for another Irish raider in FARCLAS. He brings winning Festival form to the table, having won the 2018 Triumph Hurdle, and has shaped encouragingly in three high-class handicap chases in his native country this season. The conditions of today's race look ideal for him and he should be very competitive off a mark of 146. A Wave Of The Sea had the former three and three-quarter lengths behind when successful at Leopardstown last month and he merits shortlist inclusion, as does handicap debutant Fils D'oudairies, who chased home Envoi Allen prior to struggling in Grade 1 company last time.

Horse comments:

Horse	Comment
1 - TOP NOTCH (FR)	8-1 (11-6) Chased leaders, gradually dropped back through field from 2nd, niggled along after 6th, not fluent next, tried to close before 2 out but no impression and well beaten when jumped left last, 6th of 8, 30l behind Mister Fisher (11-3) at Cheltenham 2m 4f Grade 2 chs (4yo+) (1) sft in Dec
2 - CARIBEAN BOY (FR)	7-2 (11-8) Chased leaders, pushed along before 3 out, outpaced in 4th before next, 4th of 7, 6l behind Moonlighter (10-12) at Sandown 1m 7f hcp chs (2) hvy in Feb
3 - MISTER WHITAKER (IRE)	14-1 (11-9) Held up towards rear, headway into midfield 11th, not fluent 13th and ridden, stayed on under pressure before 2 out, kept on without troubling leaders from last, 6th of 12, 9l behind Two For Gold (11-6) at Warwick 2m 4f hcp chs (2) sft in Feb
4 - ASSEMBLE	66-1 (11-12) Held up, closer behind leaders when fell 5th, in a race won by Monkfish (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 5f nov chs G1 (1) sft in Feb, 8 ran
5 - HUNTSMAN SON (IRE)	33-1 (11-3) In rear, some slow jumps, headway 13th, weakened 3 out, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Chatham Street Lad (10-10) at Cheltenham 2m 5f hcp chs Grd 3 (1) sft in Dec, 17 ran
6 - OLDGRANGEWOOD	6-1 (11-3) Prominent, lost place and ridden after 12th, blundered and unseated rider 3 out, in a race won by Two For Gold (11-6) at Warwick 2m 4f hcp chs (2) sft in Feb, 12 ran
7 - FARCLAS (FR)	4-1fav (10-11) Mid-division, closer and chased leaders 6 out, mistake 2 out, ridden to challenge before last, dsputed last, narrow lead briefly run-in, headed last 100 yards, kept on same pace, 4th of 22, 3 1/2l behind Off You Go (10-8) at Leopardstown 2m 5f hcp chs sft in Feb
8 - HAPPY DIVA (IRE)	9-2 (11-4) Held up, closed 8th, shaken up after 3 out, ridden and no impression on front pair before last, no extra, 3rd of 5, 20l behind Annie Mc (11-4) at Warwick 2m 4f Listed ch (1) sft in Feb
9 - FILS D'OUDAIRIES (FR)	40-1 (11-12) Held up early, improved to chase leader before 5th, dropped to 4th 4 out, slight mistake 2 out, soon ridden and no impression, no extra before last, 5th of 8, 44l behind Monkfish (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 5f nov chs G1 (1) sft in Feb
10 - LASKALIN (FR)	(11-4) 3rd of 7, 1l behind Autorisation (11-2) at Pau(FR) 2m 7f chs hvy in Feb
11 - COOLE CODY (IRE)	7-1 (11-3) Tracked leading pair on inside, went 2nd 3rd until before 5th, 2nd again 11th, led 4 out, pushed along before 3 out, headed and outpaced by winner after 3 out, soon no extra in 3rd, 3rd of 4, 16l behind Tamaroc Du Mathan (11-0) at Kempton 2m 4f nov chs G2 (1) gd in Feb
12 - A WAVE OF THE SEA (IRE)	12-1 (9-12) Mid-division, jumped left 1st, 7th 3 out and headway next, pushed along early straight, ridden to lead last and 3 lengths clear over 100 yards out, held on closing stages, won at Leopardstown 2m 1f hcap ch sft in Feb beating Top Moon (10-6) by nk, 20 ran
13 - TWO TAFFS (IRE)	11-4 (11-10) Towards rear, slight mistake 2nd, jumped left from 4 out, mistake 3 out, soon ridden and no impression, 4th of 7, 6l behind Theo (11-3) at Leicester 2m 4f hcap ch (2) gd in Nov
14 - THE SHUNTER (IRE)	5-2fav (10-11) Mid-division, closer after the 4th, headway to press leader after 3 out, ridden and disputed lead 2 out, every chance last, kept on gamely run-in and just held on, won at Kelso 2m hcp hdl (2) gs beating Night Edition (10-5) by 1 1/4l, 14 ran
15 - KILTEALY BRIGGS (IRE)	5-1 (11-10) Raced wide, held up tracking leaders in 5th, closer in 4th at 9th, pushed along before 3 out, weakened between last 2, 4th of 7, 18l behind Deise Aba (11-7) at Sandown 3m hcp chs (2) hvy in Feb
16 - PADDY'S POEM	15-2 (11-12) Chased leader until before 5th, chased leaders, went 2nd again home turn, led 3 out, stayed on strongly, won at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp chs 0-135 (3) gd beating Saint De Reve (11-2) by 4l, 7 ran
17 - SULLY D'OC AA (FR)	7-2fav (10-6) Chased leaders, ridden to lead 2 out, sprawled on landing and headed last, kept on flat, 3rd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Clondaw Castle (11-8) at Newbury 2m 4f hcp chs (2) gd in Nov
18 - SMARTY WILD	7-2fav (10-8) Held up in rear, not fluent 2nd, headway on outside 9th, awkward 10th, ridden after 4 out, kept on one pace from 3 out, 5th of 12, 7l behind Two For Gold (11-6) at Warwick 2m 4f hcp chs (2) sft in Feb
19 - CHAMPAGNE COURT (IRE)	5-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, went 2nd after 5th, led and not fluent 13th, headed 2 out, stayed on same pace flat, 4th of 9, 3 1/2l behind Espoir De Teillee (11-3) at Warwick 2m 4f hcp chs 0-150 (2) sft in Feb
20 - THE UNIT (IRE)	25-1 (10-13) Held up in rear, blundered 1st, headway 4 out, went 2nd briefly flat, no impression on winner, kept on, 3rd of 9, 3l behind Espoir De Teillee (11-3) at Warwick 2m 4f hcp chs 0-150 (2) sft in Feb

Tipps

Forecast:

4.00 HOOK UP (FR); 4.50 ROYAL KAHALA (IRE); 5.50 ROSEYS HOLLOW (IRE); 6.50 GLENS OF ANTRIM (IRE); 7.50 GAULOISE (FR); 10.00 THE GLANCING QUEEN (IRE); 11.00 AND BETTER OTHERS.

Preview:

Willie Mullins has won all five previous runnings of this race and it is hard to bet against that becoming six here as he saddles four with solid claims. The pick of them could be HOOK UP, who was fourth behind Appreciate It in a Grade 1 last time and has already had a taste of running at the Cheltenham Festival when appearing in last year's Triumph Hurdle. Despite being a maiden, there is plenty of substance to Glens Of Antrim's form and she may be next best of the Mullins quartet, while Gauloise had to settle for third behind Roseys Hollow (first) and Royal Kahala (second) in a Fairyhouse Grade 3 last month, but before that had won three on the bounce, including when taking Listed honours at Thurles. Roseys Hollow and Royal Kahala hold strong claims in this themselves, while the hat-trick seeking Skyace and Henry De Bromhead's pair of Magic Daze and Telmesomethinggirl are others who could get involved. The Glancing Queen appears the best the English have to offer and has performed well at the course in the past.

Horse comments:

Horse	Comment
1 - GAULOISE (FR)	11-4 (11-4) Rear of mid-division, some headway on outer in 5th 4 out, progress early straight and 3rd 2 out, pushed along approaching last, ridden and no impression run-in, kept on one pace, 3rd of 9, 3 1/2l behind Roseys Hollow (11-1) at Fairyhouse 2m 2f mrs nov hdl G3 (1) hvy in Feb
2 - ROSEYS HOLLOW (IRE)	17-2 (11-1) Mid-division, headway 5th and 3rd 4 out, progress on inner to lead 2 out, ridden before last and kept on well run-in, won at Fairyhouse 2m 2f mrs nov hdl G3 (1) hvy in Feb beating Royal Kahala (11-5) by 2l, 9 ran
3 - SKYACE (IRE)	28-1 (11-6) Held up towards rear, 6th halfway, progress travelling well to 3rd when mistake 3 out, soon pushed along briefly, closed again and on terms soon after next, ridden to lead and went clear before last, kept on well, won at Punchestown 2m 4f mares listed nov hdl (1) hvy in Dec beating The Sliding Rock (11-3) by 5l, 8 ran
4 - WILL VICTORY (FR)	15-2 (10-11) Held up towards rear, good headway out wide chasing leaders 3f out, wide home turn, weakened inside final furlong, 5th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Strong Glance (11-4) at Lingfield 2m NH flat (4) std in Feb
5 - ALLAVINA (IRE)	13-8fav (11-6) Chased leaders on inside, 2nd going well after 3 out, led between last 2, soon clear, stayed on well, easily, won at Taunton 2m 3f mares NH nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb beating Lilly Pedlar (11-0) by 7l, 11 ran
6 - GLENS OF ANTRIM (IRE)	4-6fav (11-7) Soon led, joined before 2 out, slight mistake last, soon headed and no impression, one pace, 2nd of 17, 4 1/2l behind Mr Incredible (11-12) at Naas 2m 3f mdn hdl in Jan
7 - HOOK UP (FR)	50-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, slight mistake 1st, mistake 4 out, ridden 2 out, no impression in 7th before last, kept on run-in, 4th of 13, 8l behind Appreciate It (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m nov hdl G2 (1) in Feb
8 - MAGIC DAZE (IRE)	4-9fav (10-13) Made all, pushed out to assert before last, kept on strongly, comfortably, won at Clonmel 2m mdn hdle hvy in Jan beating No Fame No Game (10-10) by 9l, 14 ran
9 - MARTELLO SKY	6-4fav (11-5) Tracked leaders out wide, went 2nd on long run before 2 out, ridden to challenge run-in, stayed on to lead inside final 150 yards, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f mares NH nov hdl (3) sft in Feb beating Marada (11-10) by 1 1/4l, 10 ran
10 - MIGHTY BLUE (FR)	16-1 (11-0) Held up towards rear, not fluent 2nd, closer after 3 out and 5th on inner next, pushed along in 4th approaching last, no impression run-in, kept on one pace, 4th of 9, 6l behind Roseys Hollow (11-1) at Fairyhouse 2m 2f mrs nov hdl G3 (1) hvy in Feb
11 - PERFECT MYTH	9-2 (10-12) Tracked leaders, pushed along 2f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 9, 6l behind Really Super (10-12) at Lingfield 2m (4) std in Feb
12 - PONT AVAL (FR)	9-2 (11-7) Settled behind leaders, closer in 4th and slight mistake 7th, 2nd 3 out, closed on leader approaching 2 out, led after 2 out, clear before last, easily, won at Punchestown 2m 4f mdn hdl sft in Feb beating Casey West (11-5) by 9l, 20 ran
13 - ROYAL KAHALA (IRE)	11-10fav (11-5) Mid-division, switched left and headway on outer after 3 out, disputed lead before next, 2nd and pushed along approaching last, ridden and no impression on winner run-in, kept on one pace, 2nd of 9, 2l behind Roseys Hollow (11-1) at Fairyhouse 2m 2f mrs nov hdl G3 (1) hvy in Feb
14 - TELMESOMETHINGGIRL (IRE)	6-1 (11-0) Mid-division, ridden into 7th entering straight, stayed on into 3rd and jumped left last, no impression and kept on same pace run-in, 3rd of 20, 3 1/2l behind Heaven Help Us (10-5) at Leopardstown 2m 2f in Feb
15 - THE GLANCING QUEEN (IRE)	1-1fav (10-10) Tracked leaders, went 2nd from 4th, no impression on winner last, kept on, 2nd of 11, 8l behind Wilde About Oscar (11-3) at Exeter 2m 1f Listed nov hdl (1) hvy in Feb

Tipps

Forecast:

6.00 HOLD THE NOTE (IRE); 6.50 DEISE ABA (IRE); 8.00 PLAN OF ATTACK (IRE); SHANTOU FLYER (IRE); 10.00 MOUNT IDA (IRE); 11.00 AND BETTER OTHERS.

Preview:

It looks a weaker renewal this year after the news last week that Run Wild Fred wouldn't be turning up and the late withdrawal of ante-post favourite Time To Get Up, which was announced on Tuesday. Mount Ida shaped with promise when second behind Colreevy at Thurles in January and might improve for the step up in distance, while Musical Slave returned to a bit of form when third at Ascot last month and remains a well-handicapped horse for JP McManus. Past form in this contest is no bad thing to have, though, and Kilfilum Cross is interesting after his second in this off 3lb higher last year. Deise Aba (fifth) also ran well in this 12 months ago, but BOB MAHLER (third) looks to have had this on his radar for quite some time. 5lb lower than last year, he had excuses for his first few runs of the season, with bad ground and slipping saddles to blame. The nine-year-old shaped much better when third at Musselburgh 40 days ago and is generally a much better horse at this time of year, with drying ground a further positive to his prospects for Warren Greatrex, who claimed this prize in 2018 with Missed Approach.

Horse comments:

Horse	Comment
1 - DOUBLE SHUFFLE (IRE)	14-1 (10-13) Chased leaders out wide, pushed along before 3 out, weakened soon after, 6th of 17, 14l behind Clondaw Castle (11-8) at Kempton 3m hcp chs G3 (1) gd in Feb
2 - BEAU BAY (FR)	8-1 (10-12) Jumped and travelled well throughout, made all, clear from 13th, slight mistake 2 out, stayed on strongly, unchallenged, won at Doncaster 3m hcap ch (2) gs in Feb beating Ami Desbois (11-10) by 4l, 8 ran
3 - MOUNT IDA (IRE)	4-1 (11-5) Tracked leaders, jumped right and bumped rival 5 out, dropped to 7th next and pushed along, left 5th 2 out, headway to go 2nd entering straight, no impression on easy winner from before last, kept on, 2nd of 9, 12l behind Colreevy (11-9) at Thurles 2m 4f nov chs Grd 2 (1) in Jan
4 - STORM CONTROL (IRE)	11-2 (10-8) Chased leader until before 3 out where mistake, soon weakened, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Notachance (10-5) at Warwick 3m 5f hcp chs G3 (1) sft in Jan, 13 ran
5 - GO ANOTHER ONE (IRE)	5-2 (11-5) Led, not fluent 4th, slight mistake and headed 4 out, pushed along in 5th after 3 out, no impression in 6th before last, kept on without threatening to go 3rd post, 3rd of 9, 10l behind The Bosses Oscar (11-1) at Thurles 2m 7f hdl in Oct
6 - DEISE ABA (IRE)	17-2 (11-7) Made virtually all, hit 16th, briefly headed approaching 2 out, soon in front again, 1 length ahead last, stayed on dourly run-in, won at Sandown 3m hcp chs (2) hvy in Feb beating Coo Star Sivola (11-5) by 4 1/2l, 7 ran
7 - SHANTOU FLYER (IRE)	5-4fav (11-1) Held up behind leaders, went 3rd 3 out, chased winner before 2 out, stayed on, always held, 2nd of 6, 2l behind Golden Sovereign (10-8) at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp chs 0-140 (3) hvy in Feb
8 - HOLD THE NOTE (IRE)	4-1 (11-5) Led, prominent from 2nd, ridden after 4 out, joined leader 2 out, narrow 2nd jumping last, stayed on well, just failed, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind Enrilo (11-5) at Newbury 2m 7f nov Limited hcap ch (3) gs in Feb
9 - CRIEVEHILL (IRE)	14-1 (10-13) Led, headed 3rd, tracked leaders, ridden 4 out, weakened next, 4th of 8, 38l behind Royale Pagaille (11-10) at Haydock 3m 2f hcap ch G2 (1) hvy in Jan
10 - CLOUDY GLEN (IRE)	25-1 (11-2) Raced keenly, towards rear, struggling when mistake 16th, went badly left and unseated rider next, in a race won by Captain Chaos (10-9) at Ascot 3m hcp chs Listed (1) sft in Feb, 10 ran
11 - ANOTHER VENTURE (IRE)	28-1 (11-7) Held up in mid-division, headway chasing leaders 7th, went left 8th, fell 10th, in a race won by Dawson City (10-3) at Wincanton 3m 3f hcp chs 0-140 (3) hvy in Jan, 10 ran
12 - PLAN OF ATTACK (IRE)	40-1 (11-0) Disputed briefly, soon chased leaders, 7th halfway, lost place 4 out, ridden in 13th after 2 out, kept on one pace, 8th of 22, 22l behind Castlebawn West (11-10) at Leopardstown 3m hcap ch in Dec
13 - COBOLOBO (FR)	13-2 (10-12) Pressed leader, led 3rd, hit 4 out, headed 3 out, stayed on same pace, no impression when lost 2nd between last 2, weakened run-in, 5th of 10, 22l behind Captain Chaos (10-9) at Ascot 3m hcp chs Listed (1) sft in Feb
14 - MILANFORD (IRE)	1-1fav (11-2) Led until 6th, hit 10th, led after 12th, ridden after 3 out, headed after next, soon beaten, 2nd of 4, 10l behind Port Of Mars (11-2) at Hereford 3m 1f beg chase (4) sft in Jan
15 - ALMAZHAR GARDE (FR)	12-1 (11-6) In touch on inside, hit 8th, weakened 11th, tailed off 12th, pulled up before 4 out, in a race won by Cap Du Nord (10-5) at Newbury 2m 6f hcp chs 0-145 (2) gd in Nov, 16 ran
16 - BOB MAHLER (IRE)	8-1 (11-9) Prominent until 1st, chased leaders, reminder 15th, weakened before 4 out, left 3rd when mistake 2 out, 3rd of 11, 25l behind Mighty Thunder (10-12) at Musselburgh 4m 1f hcp chs 0-150 (2) sft in Feb
17 - KILFILUM CROSS (IRE)	17-2 (11-12) Midfield, hit 14th, pushed in 5th 4 out, pulled up before last, in a race won by Another Venture (11-9) at Ludlow 3m hcp chs 0-140 (3) sft in Dec, 9 ran
18 - LATE ROMANTIC (IRE)	6-1 (11-9) In rear, mistake 8th, headway before 10th, every chance 3 out, lost 2nd before next, one pace and held after, 3rd of 6, 18l behind Golden Sovereign (10-8) at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp chs 0-140 (3) hvy in Feb
19 - MUSICAL SLAVE (IRE)	11-1 (10-11) Held up towards rear, hit 11th, headway chasing leaders when hit 3 out, pushed along in 3rd before next, no chance with leading duo, 3rd of 10, 17l behind Captain Chaos (10-9) at Ascot 3m hcp chs Listed (1) sft in Feb
20 - DIDERO VALLIS (FR)	15-2 (11-2) Led, headed narrowly 3rd, close up when awkward 9th, lost ground 12th, ridden before 3 out (usual 4 out), close up 2 out, led narrowly passing omitted last, stayed on strongly close home, won at Catterick 3m 1f hcp chs 0-140 (3) hvy in Feb beating Who's In The Box (9-12) by 1 3/4l, 6 ran