waited with at slow pace, slow jump 3rd, 5th between last 2, soon no impression, kept on without threatening run-in
prominent at slow pace, slightly slow jump 3rd, carried a little right 3 out, challenged from between last 2, got on terms briefly run-in, no extra and kept on same pace closing stages
led, wandered about and awkward 1st, jumped right and headed next, prominent at slow pace, jumped right 3 out, struggling and kept on same pace under pressure from before last
waited with at slow pace, improved to be close up and challenge from between last 2, no impression under pressure and kept on same pace from after last
led from 2nd at slow pace, attempted to assert from between last 2, pressed and joined briefly run-in, stayed on best and went on closing stages
chased leaders at slow pace, 4th approaching straight, dropped to last between last 2, soon weakened, tailed off
Hurdling newcomer Gentleman Duke won just once in a dozen starts on the Flat and was behind today's rival Hisaabaat at Limerick in September. The latter made his debut over timber at Leopardstown's Xmas meeting but unshipped Paul Townend at the second in the race won by Chill. SPORTSMASTER didn't get much further that day though he had excuses as he was badly impeded and Edward O'Grady's charge, who was very progressive on the Flat, can make amends. Musawama put a moderate hurdling debut effort behind him with a much stronger performance at Gowran and further progress will see him in the mix.
Gentleman Duke (IRE) 6-1 (8-9) Dwelt, towards rear, kept on without threatening under pressure straight, 4th of 10, 6l behind Park Ranger (8-11) at Listowel 1m 1f hcp hvy in Sep (flat).
Hisaabaat (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Mid-division, unseated rider 2nd, in a race won by Chill (11-0) at Leopardstown 2m 3yo mdn hdl in Dec, 15 ran.
Long Time Coming (IRE) 50-1 (11-0) Towards rear for most, never a factor, 9th of 15, 27l behind Chill (11-0) at Leopardstown 2m 3yo mdn hdl in Dec.
Musawama (IRE) 25-1 (10-8) Mid-division, improved into 4th on outer before 2 out, soon ridden and no extra, 5th of 11, 9l behind One Cool Shabra (10-11) at Gowran Park 2m 3yo hdl sft in Dec.
Sportsmaster (IRE) 3-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, badly hampered and unseated rider 4th, in a race won by Chill (11-0) at Leopardstown 2m 3yo mdn hdl in Dec, 15 ran.
Sunset Stanza 50-1 (10-7) Mid-division, 9th halfway, ridden and no extra 2 out, 11th of 15, 37l behind Chill (11-0) at Leopardstown 2m 3yo mdn hdl in Dec.
