tracked leader, led briefly after 1st, led again approaching 5th, joined 2 out, stayed on well, headed last, soon driven, no extra final 150 yards
led, headed briefly after 1st, headed approaching 5th, chased leader until just before 4 out, soon outpaced and no chance with leading duo, tailed off
tracking leading pair when fell 4th
held up in 4th, left 3rd at 4th, headway to track leader and hit 4 out, challenged and hit 2 out, quickened to lead last, soon driven and stayed on to forge clear final 150 yards
ANNIE POWER is unbeaten in seven starts and her final run of the last campaign saw her land a Grade 1 in emphatic style at Punchestown. She faces her stiffest test to date against a high-class rival but her allowances can see her gain victory number eight. Zarkandar is a brilliant prospect having gained his eighth victory over hurdles when beating the high-class The New One in the Grade 1 Aintree Hurdle, his third success at the highest level. His two defeats when completing the course have come in the last two Champion Hurdles for which his price will shrink if he can land this. Magnifique Etoile had some useful form to his credit before reappearing after a very long absence to carry a huge weight to victory in a Stratford handicap last month. He's well worth a try in this company though will need to make further progress to trouble the principals. Bygones of Brid has won seven races and has some smart form over hurdles and fences to his credit but will need mishaps to his rivals if he's to get involved in the finish.
Zarkandar (IRE) 11-2 (11-7) Made all, pressed from 3 out, under pressure last, soon ridden, just held on near finish, game, won at Aintree 2m 4f hdl G1 (1) gd in Apr beating The New One (11-7) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Bygones of Brid (IRE) 22-1 (10-10) Prominent until 1st, chased leading pair, closed 5th, went 2nd next, taken left and bumped before 2 out, stayed on same pace flat, no impression on winner, 2nd of 10, 8l behind Karinga Dancer (11-4) at Aintree 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-150 (2) gs in Oct.
Magnifique Etoile 2-1fav (11-12) In touch, headway 2 out, led going well between last 2, clear before last, unextended, won at Stratford 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-130 (3) sft in Oct beating Dolatulo (11-5) by 12l, 16 ran.
Annie Power (IRE) 4-11fav (11-6) Held up in touch in last, travelling well throughout, good headway to lead after 3 out, soon went clear, stayed on strongly from 2 out, not extended, impressive, won at Fairyhouse 2m 4f mares nov hdl Gr 1 (1) sft in Mar beating Glens Melody (11-6) by 12l, 6 ran.
