soon raced in 3rd, 2nd after 6th, on terms before 4 out, soon led but quickly joined, mistake 3 out and headed, slight mistake 2 out, no extra and one pace in 3rd after
soon behind in rear, no impression 10th, never a factor
disputed lead, led from 2nd, joined from before 4 out, soon headed and dropped to 3rd, weakened and pulled up before 3 out
disputed lead, headed from 2nd, mistake 5th, 3rd after next, on terms again after 4 out, ridden straight, led from 3 out, reduced lead but kept on well closing stages
soon raced in moderate 4th, 3rd approaching straight, slight mistake 3 out, chased winner approaching last, kept on well without reaching winner run-in
ZABANA had Sub Lieutenant 7l behind when landing the Grade 1 Champion Novice Chase at Punchestown so the fact that he finished 14l behind that one on his return to action suggests he badly needed the run. He's favoured by the race conditions here and should get back to winning ways. Ttebbob won his first two starts over fences including a Grade 3 but found stepping up to top company beyond him though he did finish second in a three-runner Grade 2 at Navan. Tennis Cap is a consistent and smart handicapper whose best runs have been on testing ground so some rain would aid his cause while the Grade 2 winning hurdler Kitten Rock looked a potentially high class chaser on his debut at Navan before finding heavy going against him at Naas. Champagne West began his chasing career in brilliant style with two victories at Cheltenham for Philip Hobbs but his jumping went to pieces earlier this year and he's changed stables though still has the potential to win races at a high level.
Champagne West (IRE) 50-1 (11-10) In rear, not fluent 5th, behind from next, tailed off 9th, pulled up before 11th, at Cheltenham 2m 5f (1) gd in Mar.
Tennis Cap (FR) 7-2 (11-7) Midfield, headway to chase leaders 4 out, went 2nd after next, no extra towards finish, 2nd of 10, 2 1/4l behind Witness In Court (10-13) at Perth 2m 4f hcp (2) gd in Apr.
Ttebbob (IRE) 9-1 (11-10) Held up in rear, closer order approaching 4 out, under pressure 3 out, soon no impression, eased approaching 2 out, tailed off, last of 5, dist behind Douvan (11-10) at Punchestown 2m (1) Yielding in Apr.
Zabana (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Led, headed before 4th, mistake 5th, pushed along in 5th after 3 out, ridden in 4th before next, no extra after 2 out, 4th of 7, 14 1/2l behind Sub Lieutenant (11-8) at Down Royal 2m 4f (1) gd in Nov.
Kitten Rock (FR) 2-1 (11-8) Tracked leaders in 3rd throughout and took keen hold early, ridden entering straight, no impression in 3rd from 2 out, 3rd of 6, 20 1/2l behind Shaneshill (11-8) at Naas 2m hvy in Jan.
