held up in last early, swift headway to lead after 1st and soon clear, reduced advantage 2 out, ridden and headed before last, no extra and kept on one pace
soon held up in last, 4th before 2 out, progress entering straight, improved to dispute lead before last, ridden and asserted run-in, kept on well
held up, moderate 3rd halfway, improved to 2nd 4 out, closed on leader 2 out, ridden in 3rd entering straight, kept on and not clear run before last, switched out, stayed on to 2nd run-in, no impression winner
led, headed after 1st and soon chased leader in moderate 2nd, 3rd 4 out, dropped to rear before 2 out, ridden and no impression 2 out
held up, 4th halfway, 3rd 3 out, progress into 2nd entering straight, ridden to dispute lead before last, 2nd and no extra run-in, 3rd closing stages
HURRICANE FLY has won this twice in the past three years and can see off the young pretenders to his championship crown. Willie Mullins' brilliant performer landed the 17th Grade One of his illustrious career when scrambling home at Punchestown last month and will need to be much better here though his trainer left plenty to work on and he'll be much straighter for this. He never has a problem beating stablemate Thousand Stars but Our Conor and Jezki are a different matter. The former, unbeaten in four starts over timber including two at the highest level, was one of the most impressive Triumph Hurdle winners of recent years and will give the champion a stiff examination. Jezki is in cracking form having beaten Zaidpour in the Hatton's Grace at Fairyhouse so his chances shouldn't be underestimated.
Captain Cee Bee (IRE) 7-1 (11-10) Rear of mid-division, headway on outer 3 out, ridden in 5th entering straight, 6th 2 out, kept on without threatening from last, 3rd of 13, 10l behind Pink Coat (9-10) at Fairyhouse 2m hcp hdl in Nov.
Hurricane Fly (IRE) Evens6fav (11-10) Tracked leader in 2nd, challenged entering straight and pushed along to lead approaching last, pushed out and kept on well run-in, won at Punchestown 2m hdl G1 (1) in Nov beating Marito (11-10) by 1 1/4l, 5 ran.
Jezki (IRE) 4-6fav (11-10) Chased clear leader in 4th, closer 3 out, progress to dispute when jumped left 2 out, ridden to lead before last where mistake, kept on well run-in, won at Fairyhouse 2m 4f hdl G1 (1) beating Zaidpour (11-10) by 1 3/4l, 5 ran.
Thousand Stars (FR) 9-2 (10-10) 9th of 14, 25l behind Gemix (10-5) at Auteuil(FR) 3m 1f hdl G1 (1) hvy in Jun.
Our Conor (IRE) 4-1 (11-0) Tracked leader, challenged going well 2 out, led between last 2, soon clear, pushed out flat, impressive, won at Cheltenham 2m 1f 4yo hdl Grade 1 (1) gs in Mar beating Far West (11-0) by 15l, 17 ran.
