led and clear, very slow jump 4th, pushed into next and better jump, a little awkward 3 out, asserted approaching last where bad mistake, stayed on well run-in, comfortably
soon behind in rear, trailing from before 4th, pushed along before straight, no impression
raced in moderate 3rd, dropped further off leading pair from before 4th, pushed along before straight, no impression
chased leader in 2nd, no impression under pressure approaching last, kept on same pace
Il Fenomeno hasn't really hit the heights predicted after his Grade 3 novice hurdle victory two years ago and has only won once subsequently. Bridgets Pet ran very well on his last two starts at Fairyhouse and at the Cheltenham Festival but is more likely to be sent chasing again soon. Akinspirit last ran over hurdles in August of last year when he landed a handicap over the course and distance but he's been busy on the Flat this summer. UPSIE has to concede weight all round on her return from a break and she won't find this easy but she remains unbeaten in four starts here and in France and this should be number five.
Upsie (FR) 9-10fav (11-4) Tracked leaders, 4th after 3 out, slight mistake next, ridden in 2nd entering straight, improved to dispute lead at last, stayed on well run-in, edged ahead close home, won at Punchestown 2m mrs nov hdl hvy in Apr beating Twigline (11-4) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
Akinspirit (IRE) 5-1 (10-13) Waited with well off pace towards rear, closed up to track leaders from before 4 out, on terms travelling well before straight, in front 3 out, clear next, stayed on well, very easily, won at Cork 2m hcp hdl 8Evens23 in Aug '12 beating Tellherimnothere (10-11) by 4 1/2l, 9 ran.
Bridgets Pet (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Held up in mid-division, hit 7th, headway 3 out, went 2nd off bend brielfy after 2 out, 5th and fading when fell last, in a race won by Salubrious (11-5) at Cheltenham 2m 4f (2) sft in Mar, 23 ran.
Il Fenomeno (ITY) 28-1 (10-9) Always towards rear, ridden and no impression after 3 out, weakened, eased after 2 out and tailed off, 19th of 20, well behind Missunited (10-8) at Galway 2m hcp hdl sft in Aug.
