in rear, slight mistake 6th, pushed along after 2 out, no impression and kept on same pace from before last
held up in 5th, pushed along after 2 out, went 3rd before last and no impression, one pace
tracked leaders in 3rd, challenged 3 out, pushed along from next, on terms straight, headed approaching last, one pace
tracked leader in 2nd, challenged 3 out, no impression straight, dropped towards rear when not fluent last
tracked leaders in 4th, closed up travelling smoothly on outer into straight, led approaching last, eased on run-in, impressive
soon led, pressed and jumped slightly left 3 out, joined straight, soon headed, dropped to 4th at last where slight mistake, one pace
Willie Mullins has had a few setbacks in recent weeks but it will be a shock if DOUVAN doesn't enhance his huge reputation here. Already ante-post favourite for a couple of races at Cheltenham after his demolition job on his debut for the yard at Gowran, where he had subsequent Grade 1 winner Sizing John 12 lengths behind, he'll be at prohibitive odds again but shouldn't be tested. Domesday Book comfortably brushed aside Fort Smith at Navan but the runner-up let the form down at Naas on Sunday. Winning bumper Rock On The Moor comfortably landed a Leopardstown maiden where she was well clear at this distance. Marinero looks best of the Tony Martin duo though Brian Cooper has elected to ride the same owner's Alpha Des Obeaux, who found 3m too far in a Grade 3 at Cork last time.
Blair Perrone (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, progress into 3rd 3 out, travelled well into 2nd before last, challenged and slight mistake last, pushed out to lead run-in, cosily, won at Leopardstown 2m mdn hdl hvy in Dec beating Silver Concorde (11-12) by 2l, 9 ran.
Marinero (IRE) 10-1 (11-12) Soon tracked leaders in 5th, 4th and pushed along before straight, challenged and on terms 2 out, stayed on well run-in to lead close home, won at Fairyhouse 2m 2f mdn hdl in Nov beating Long Dog (11-9) by 1/2l, 23 ran.
Alpha Des Obeaux (FR) 11-4 (10-9) Tracked leader in 2nd, dropped to 3rd 4 out, soon pushed along, regained 2nd 3 out, pressed winner briefly 2 out, kept on same pace run-in, 2nd of 5, 2 1/2l behind Black Hercules (11-0) at Cork 3m nov hdl Grd 3 (1) hvy in Dec.
Domesday Book (USA) 8-1 (11-9) Led and disputed, ridden a few lengths clear 3 out, kept on well from before last, won at Navan 2m mdn hdl in Dec beating Fort Smith (11-12) by 4 1/2l, 29 ran.
Douvan (FR) 8-15fav (11-9) Made virtually all and narrow leader for much, joined 3 out, led again travelling well next, stayed on strongly run-in, easily, won at Gowran Park 2m 4yo nov hdl hvy in Nov beating Sizing John (11-6) by 12l, 8 ran.
Rock On The Moor (IRE) 12-1 (11-5) Close up, soon led, headed after 2nd, challenged and on terms 2 out, soon led, clear approaching last, reduced lead but stayed on well to assert closing stages, won at Leopardstown 2m 2f mdn hdl in Dec beating Velvet Maker (11-12) by 4 1/2l, 9 ran.
