held up in touch towards rear, 5th halfway, ridden and went 2nd approaching last, no impression run-in, kept on one pace
led, not fluent and headed 2 out, ridden and no impression in 3rd approaching last where mistake, kept on one pace
held up in rear, raced alone on inner, detached after 3rd, slow 8th and 5 out, in touch in rear 3 out, ridden in 4th approaching last where mistake, no impression run-in, kept on one pace
tracked leader in 2nd, mistake 2nd, soon 4th, jumped big 3rd and pecked next, 4th halfway, pushed along after 2 out, ridden and weakened before last
tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, close 3rd 2 out, ridden and no impression in 5th before last, no extra
tracked leaders, not fluent 2nd, mistake 6th, 2nd halfway, closer 2nd when not fluent 4 out, led 2 out, pushed along before last where 2 lengths lead, ridden run-in, stayed on strongly
Willie Mullins has won this with high-class novices' for the past three years and his five entries will be snapping at the heels of MIGHTY POTTER throughout. Already a dual Grade 1 winner over timber, Gordon Elliott's charge made his stamina count in the Drinmore over 2m4f, leading five out and staying on strongly to beat Gaillard Du Mesnil over four lengths. The latter did well over a trip short of his best and went one better in the Grade 1 Neville Hotels over three miles here in December. Adamantly Chosen was beaten a long way in the Drinmore but had Kilcruit a couple of lengths behind when runner-up in the Grade 1 Faugheen at Limerick. I Am Maximus has disappointed but James Du Berlais, four-times a winner over hurdles in France, made a very impressive chasing debut at Fairyhouse and looks an exciting prospect.
Adamantly Chosen (IRE) 11-1 (11-12) Towards rear, headway on inner to go 4th before 2 out, ridden and went 2nd before last, kept on but no impression on winner, 2nd of 5, 4 1/4l behind Gerri Colombe (11-12) at Limerick 2m 4f (1) Soft - Heavy in Dec.
Gaillard Du Mesnil (FR) 5-6fav (11-10) In touch, lost place after 4th, 6th after 7th, 4th at 12th, progress to 3rd at 13th, travelled well to lead before 2 out, driven out run-in, won at Leopardstown 3m (1) sft in Dec beating Churchstonewarrior (11-10) by 7 1/2l, 7 ran.
I Am Maximus (FR) 10-11fav (11-12) Tracked leader, led after 2nd, slow and jumped left 3rd, mistake 5th and soon headed, 3rd halfway, pushed along briefly after 2 out, challenged entering straight, 2nd and jumped left last, ridden and no impression on winner run-in, 2nd of 6, 8l behind Gentlemansgame (11-12) at Leopardstown 2m 5f sft in Dec.
James Du Berlais (FR) 1-4fav (11-12) Made all, clear before 5 out, slight mistake 4 out, pushed out from before last, eased run-in, won at Fairyhouse 2m 5f sft in Jan beating Capilano Bridge (11-12) by 15l, 6 ran.
Kilcruit (IRE) 6-4 (11-12) Towards rear, 4th halfway, pushed along to go 3rd after 3 out, headway to challenge approaching 2 out, soon ridden and no extra, kept on, 3rd of 5, 6 1/4l behind Gerri Colombe (11-12) at Limerick 2m 4f (1) Soft - Heavy in Dec.
Mighty Potter (FR) 3-1 (11-12) Soon close up, 2nd after 3rd, led at 10th, stumbled after 4 out, pecked 3 out, joined 2 out, led before last, kept on well run-in, won at Fairyhouse 2m 4f (1) sft in Dec beating Gaillard Du Mesnil (11-12) by 4 1/2l, 10 ran.
