held up, a little keen, jumped right 1st, soon raced in 5th, no impression from 10th, left remote 4th from 2 out
tracked leaders in 3rd, closed up to challenge 3 out, on terms 2 out, led before last, stayed on well to assert run-in
held up, soon in rear, slight mistake 3rd, pushed along 7th, soon no danger
badly hampered 1st, soon raced in 4th, mistake 5th, pushed along into straight, soon no impression, left 3rd and kept on same pace from 2 out
close up in 2nd, led from 10th, joined before straight, headed before last, soon no extra, one pace
led, slight mistake 10th and headed, on terms again before straight, pushed along when fell 2 out
tracked leaders, fell 1st
TIN SOLDIER had some very strong form over hurdles in France without actually winning but landed a maiden at Fairyhouse and a Grade 3 at Thurles on his first two starts for Willie Mullins. His latest run when placed in a Punchestown Grade 1 was a superb effort and though not bred for jumping fences he has the ability to prove himself very smart and gets the nod. Monbeg Notorious has a more orthodox pedigree for this game and has done very well to land a point, a bumper and a novices' hurdle so he looks a real threat. His stable companion Dounikos has a very similar profile and is respected as is Chain Gang, though the latter will need to improve over the bigger obstacles.
Chain Gang 10-3 (11-3) Held up, moderate 6th halfway, progress into 4th before 3 out and soon closed, ridden in 3rd before 2 out, no extra in 4th before last, kept on one pace, 4th of 8, 16 3/4l behind Ben Button (11-7) at Listowel 3m hcp hvy in Sep.
Dounikos (FR) 10-1 (11-9) Soon led, ridden and headed entering straight, soon weakened quickly, 9th of 13, dist behind Mad Brian (11-3) at Navan 2m 6f hcp Soft - Heavy in Feb.
Dubai Devils (IRE) 10-1 (11-9) Mid-division, reminders before 11th and 13th, never dangerous, 5th of 8, 23 3/4l behind Western Jo (11-12) at Hexham 3m hcp (4) sft in Nov.
Inch Rise (IRE) 66-1 (11-12) Always towards rear, no impression from 3 out, never a factor, 11th of 12, dist behind Mossback (11-12) at Naas 2m 3f Soft - Heavy in Nov.
Monbeg Notorious (IRE) 10-3 (11-4) Made all, ridden 3 out, pressed before 2 out, kept on well under pressure from before last, won at Navan 2m 6f hvy in Mar beating Augustin (11-4) by 5 1/2l, 4 ran.
Tin Soldier (FR) 8-1 (11-10) Tracked leader in 2nd, disputed lead from 4 out, ridden and strongly pressed entering straight, headed approaching last, 3rd at last, no extra run-in, 3rd of 8, 2 3/4l behind Champagne Classic (11-10) at Punchestown 3m (1) Good - Yielding in Apr.
The Green Lady (IRE) 13-2 (11-7) Mid-division, brought down 5th, at Thurles 2m 2f Soft - Heavy in Nov.
