in rear and in touch, chased winner on bit before 2 out, ridden before last, kept on and held run-in
led to 4 out, soon pushed along and weakened
tracked leaders in 3rd, went 2nd after 4 out, blundered 3 out, ridden before and jumped left last, soon weakened
tracked leader, led 4 out, ridden before 2 out, kept on
MINELLA ARIS finished runner-up at Leopardstown on his hurdling bow when trained by Aidan O'Brien. He finished ahead of three subsequent winners on that occasion and looks the one to beat on that form as he debuts for Tom George. Craiganboy went close over 2m here last month and stands out as the only real threat given the remainder have shown little to date over hurdles with the exception of Nendrum's second over 2m4f here earlier though he has been well beaten since.
Craiganboy (IRE) 22-1 (11-2) Tracked front pair, went 2nd after 4 out, pressed winner next, ridden between last 2, every chance last, kept on same pace, no extra closing stages, 2nd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Oldgrangewood (11-2) at Ayr 2m mdn (5) sft in Feb.
Here Comes Love (IRE) 50-1 (11-3) Chased leaders, lost place after 3rd, outpaced before 6th, soon weakened, 7th of 11, dist behind Dakota Grey (11-3) at Carlisle 2m 1f (4) hvy in Feb.
Minella Aris (IRE) 12-1 (11-7) Chased leader, 2nd halfway, closer and jumped left 3 out, ridden to lead approaching last and edged left, under pressure and kept on run-in, headed close home, 2nd of 8, hd behind Chain Gang (11-7) at Leopardstown 2m 4f mdn Soft - Heavy in Dec.
Shanroe Street (IRE) 11-2 (11-7) Tracked leader, lost place after 4 out, soon outpaced, no impression before next, modest 4th from 2 out, 4th of 8, 18 1/2l behind Impulsive American (10-11) at Musselburgh 2m 3f mdn (5) sft in Feb.
Nendrum (IRE) 11-4 (11-1) Led, headed before 2 out, weakened before last, 6th of 10, dist behind Very First Time (10-7) at Newcastle 2m (4) hvy in Mar.
