tracked leaders in 6th, progress into 4th 4f out, weakened approaching straight
raced in 4th, close 3rd 4f out, ridden to dispute lead entering straight, headed 1f out, one pace
tracked leaders in 5th, close up travelling well straight, quickened to lead under 1f out, ran on well, comfortably
led, set steady pace, joined entering straight, ridden and headed 1f out, one pace
held up in 7th, progress into 4th 3f out, ridden to lead briefly 1f out, 2nd and no impression when rider briefly mistook winning post closing stages
tracked leaders in 3rd, close 5th 3f out, one pace straight
keen early, settled 2nd, close up entering straight, soon challenged, no impression final furlong, one pace
held up, ridden straight, headway on outer 1 1/2f out, challenged 1f out, 3rd and kept on same pace inside final furlong
in touch in rear, no extra entering straight
CHAMPAGNE AGENT arrived here with a big reputation at Christmas and started favourite but couldn't cope with Star Neuville. The winner got first run on him that day but Willie Mullins' charge stayed on well and will have learnt plenty. Caolaneoin wasn't particularly fancied on his debut at Fairyhouse last month but produced a fine effort to get close to the long odds-on Lovethehigherlaw and will surely improve for the run. Really Unique showed little between the flags but has made good progress in bumpers and wasn't far behind Fasolo at Cork last time. Newcomer Saluting has plenty of winners in his pedigree and is interesting for the future.
Jay Cee Alexander (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden in 6th 5f out, soon no extra, 6th of 8, 29l behind Mart Lane (11-7) at Leopardstown 2m N H flat sft in Jan.
Really Unique (IRE) 9-4fav (11-7) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, close 3rd entering straight, went 2nd over 1f out, kept on under pressure final furlong without matching winner, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Fasolo (11-12) at Cork 2m N H flat sft in Jan.
Caolaneoin (IRE) 16-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, headway into 5th entering straight, ridden to challenge 2f out, led 1 1/2f out, strongly pressed over 1f out, headed final 150 yards, no extra and kept on same pace, 2nd of 12, 2l behind Lovethehigherlaw (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m N H flat hvy in Jan.
Champagne Agent (IRE) 15-8fav (11-11) Settled in mid-division, 7th halfway, 5th approaching straight, ridden into 2nd 2f out, kept on well under pressure without reaching winner, 2nd of 11, 4l behind Star Neuville (11-4) at Leopardstown 2m NH flat in Dec.
Giant's Quest (AUS) Giant's Causeway gelding out of Rushing Wind.
Loukaja (IRE) 50-1 (11-0) Towards rear for most, no impression from under 4f out, 17th of 18, well behind Tus Nua (10-9) at Killarney 2m 1f 4yo nhf gd in May.
Saluting (IRE) Presenting gelding out of Seymourswift.
Supreme Bob (IRE) Bob's Return gelding out of Supremememories.
Kalamagdan (IRE) King's Best colt out of Sassenach.
