soon disputed lead on outer, led from 6th, slight mistake 2 out, travelling smothly approaching straight, asserted approaching last where slight mistake, pushed out briefly, stayed on well run-in, easily
disputed lead early, soon raced in 3rd, slight mistake 5th and pushed along briefly, 2nd from 8th, ridden approaching straight, soon one pace
3rd when slight mistake 1st, soon disputed lead, headed from 6th, dropped to last from 8th, soon weakened and eased, pulled up approaching 2 out
in rear, slight mistake 6th, 3rd from 8th, no impression from 2 out, soon eased
A small but very select field in which the Arkle favourite DOUVAN is difficult to oppose. The brilliant dual Grade 1 hurdles winner started long odds-on for his chasing bow at Navan and didn't disappoint, making all and jumping well until a slight mistake at the last. He'll have improved for the experience but faces much better opposition with Ttebbob regarded as a potential champion by connections. A very smart hurdler, chasing has always looked his game and though he hasn't faced top opposition in his two starts over the bigger obstacles he could hardly have been more impressive and his jumping has been outstanding. Sizing John was beaten three times by Douvan over hurdles though never by very far. He's another with two very impressive victories over fences to his credit and is by no means out of this. Velvet Maker was beaten a distance by Douvan at Cheltenham but that wasn't his form and he looked a natural over fences at Naas so he's no forlorn hope in what should be a very informative contest.
Douvan (FR) 2-11fav (11-12) Made all, 5-lengths clear from 3rd, reduced advantage 4 out, asserted approaching last, not extended, won at Navan 2m 1f sft in Nov beating Rogue Trader (11-12) by 9 1/2l, 14 ran.
Sizing John 4-7fav (11-4) Soon led, 2nd after 2nd, disputed at 5th, led after 7th, pushed along before 2 out, asserted before last, kept on well, comfortably, won at Punchestown 2m (1) Soft - Heavy in Nov beating Lord Scoundrel (11-7) by 8l, 4 ran.
Ttebbob (IRE) 2-5fav (11-0) Made all, jumped well, 10 lengths clear halfway, increased advantage approaching last, stayed on well, very easily, won at Navan 2m 1f (1) hvy in Dec beating Lord Scoundrel (11-6) by dist, 3 ran.
Velvet Maker (FR) 11-8 (11-12) Led, edged right on bend after 2nd, slight mistake 6th, still travelling smoothly straight, asserted from before last, stayed on well run-in, easily, won at Naas 2m Yielding in Nov beating Dysios (11-12) by 11l, 8 ran.
