Verdict

Foildubh couldn't live with the pace in the Arkle at Cheltenham and will find this less daunting but Bellvano has been raised 10lb for his victory in the Grand Annual and may find this beyond him. Lastoftheleaders has gone up 13lb for easily beating Peak Raider here in December but has run very well subsequently over hurdles and must be on the short-list. The Sneezer made all and came home almost alone at Gowran for which he has been punished with a 14lb rise so it's SHOT FROM THE HIP who is handed the vote. Edward O'Grady's charge beat Ninetieth Minute over the C&D in January and has taken on top company since. He's making his handicap debut here from 9lb lower than his hurdles rating and looks ready to score again.

Formwatch

Bellvano (GER) 20-1 (10-2) Held up behind, steady headway on outside approaching 3 out, 5th next, 4 lengths down in 3rd last, rallied flat, led final 75 yards, ridden out, won at Cheltenham 2m hcp chs G3 (1) gd in Mar beating Tanks For That (10-13) by 2 1/4l, 21 ran.

Lastoftheleaders (IRE) 7-1 (10-5) Held up towards rear, some headway early straight, kept on well run-in without reaching leaders, 4th of 22, 7l behind Up For The Match (9-13) at Naas 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-140 in Mar.

Foildubh (IRE) 66-1 (11-7) Held up in last pair in touch, struggling 8th, tailed off 3 out, last of 6, well behind Sprinter Sacre (11-7) at Cheltenham 2m nov chs G1 (1) gd in Mar.

Shot From The Hip (GER) 11-4 (11-5) Settled mainly 4th, 3rd 3 out, some headway to go 2nd 2 out, no chance with easy winner from last, kept on one pace, 2nd of 5, 9l behind Rathlin (11-5) at Naas 2m 4f nov chs G2 (1) sft in Feb.

The Sneezer (IRE) 15-2 (9-8) Made all and led at fast pace throughout, went clear from 2 out, stayed on strongly and pushed out run-in, easily, won at Gowran Park 2m 2f hcp chs sft in Mar beating Jack Absolute (10-3) by 20l, 10 ran.

Nearest The Pin (IRE) 7-4fav (11-4) Held up towards rear, 5th before straight, soon struggling, kept on same pace, lame post race, last of 6, 25l behind Donnas Palm (11-4) at Navan 2m 1f nov chs G2 (1) sft in Feb.

Bob Lingo (IRE) 5-1 (10-8) Led, ridden and joined 2 out, soon headed, no impression on winner before last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 10, 2l behind Penny's Bill (9-8) at Wexford 2m 3f hcp chs (10yo+) sft in Mar.

Uncle Tom Cobley (IRE) 6-1 (11-5) Led, strongly pressed straight, joined last, soon headed and kept on without matching winner, 2nd of 8, 1 1/4l behind Friendly Society (10-12) at Limerick 2m 3f hcp chs gd.

Peak Raider (IRE) 8-1 (9-11) Held up, 6th halfway, well in touch entering straight, ridden before last and no impression run-in, 6th of 8, 8l behind Leanne (10-1) at Leopardstown 2m 5f hcp chs gd in Mar.

Jigalo (IRE) 50-1 (11-4) Always towards rear and mainly raced alone on inner, no threat in straight, last of 6, 47l behind Seabass (11-7) at Naas 2m chs G2 (1) sft in Feb.