settled 3rd early, slight mistake 2nd, keen hold into 2nd after 3rd, mistake 4th, improved to challenge 2 out, soon led, pushed out before last, ridden run-in and kept on well
led, challenged 2 out where mistake, soon headed and ridden, no extra and kept on same pace from before last
chased leader in 2nd early, 3rd after 3rd, ridden and no extra entering straight, kept on same pace
This is a very disappointing turnout though the return of DUNGUIB has been eagerly awaited after the disappointments of last year's Cheltenham and Punchestown Festivals. The brilliant triple Grade 1 winner was odds-on for the Supreme Novices' when only third to Menorah but that form doesn't look quite so bad given the subsequent exploits of the winner. He found good ground against him in the Rabobank Champion Hurdle at Punchestown and more suitable conditions here can see a return to winning ways. Neither Luska Lad, who won this last year, nor Gimli's Rock will go down without a scrap and the former had Dunguib well behind in the big race at Punchestown though he finished almost 10 lengths behind Gimli's Rock in a Grade 2 at Down Royal in November.
Dunguib (IRE) 5-2fav (11-12) Held up towards rear racing keenly, pulled way into 4th before halfway, ridden after 2 out, 5th and no impression early straight, kept on one pace, 6th of 11, 16l behind Hurricane Fly (11-12) at Punchestown 2m hdl G1 (1) gd in Apr.
Luska Lad (IRE) 2-1fav (11-7) Led and attempted to make all, slight mistakes at 6th and 7th, driven along from 2 out, nodded slightly on landing at last, strongly pressed and kept on well under pressure run-in, headed final strides, 2nd of 7, hd behind Four Chimneys (9-11) at Punchestown 2m 4f hcp hdl hvy in Dec.
Gimli's Rock (IRE) 10-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, left 2nd 5 out, improved to challenge entering straight, led travelling well before 2 out, ridden and kept on strongly after last, comfortably, won at Down Royal 2m hdl G2 (1) in Nov beating Der Spieler (11-2) by 4l, 6 ran.
