led, not fluent at 1st, increased advantage before 2nd, not fluent at 7th and reduced lead, headed 3 out where mistake, switched left before last, ridden and kept on run-in, no chance with winner
in touch, 4th after 1st, no impression on leaders in 3rd at 8th, weakened before 2 out, tailed off
ran freely in rear early, 3rd after 1st, took closer order in 2nd before 7th, led narrowly 3 out, travelled well after 2 out, kept on well, comfortably
tracked leader, not fluent at 4th, dropped to 3rd before 7th where slight mistake, lost 3rd at 8th, weakened before 4 out, completely tailed off
BACARDYS has returned to chasing after a successful career over hurdles with two Grade 1 victories to his credit. Runner-up to Bob Olinger in a beginners' chase at Gowran in November he had little chance in a Leopardstown Grade 1 before running poorly at Fairyhouse. Stable companion Fighter Allen didn't achieve the same success over timber but has much more scope over fences. Runner-up to the smart Stattler on his chasing bow at Fairyhouse, he was well beaten in a Grade 1 at Leopardstown but this is a more realistic target. Dual hurdles winner Max Flamingo has been racing in strong company over fences and should have conditions in his favour. Sean Hogan looks best of the remainder.
Bacardys (FR) 5-2 (12-0) Led and disputed early, slight mistake 2nd and chased leaders, 4th halfway, slight mistake 4 out, ridden and no impression next, soon no extra, 8th of 16, 16 1/4l behind Floueur (12-0) at Fairyhouse 2m 5f Good - Yielding in Jan.
Fest Deiz (FR) 33-1 (11-12) In rear, not fluent at 1st, soon slightly detached, took closer order after 2nd, moderate 7th after 5th, detached in moderate before 3 out, weakened, bad mistake 2 out, tailed off, 5th of 7, dist behind Shadow Rider (11-12) at Gowran Park 2m 4f hvy in Mar.
Max Flamingo (IRE) 11-2 (11-12) Rear, slightly detached after 1st, jumped right at 2nd and 3rd, closed up on field after 5th, progress before last where jumped right, kept on same pace run-in, 7th of 14, 10 3/4l behind Discordantly (11-6) at Leopardstown 2m 5f hcp Yielding in Mar.
Sean Hogan (IRE) 66-1 (11-12) Tracked leader, disputed lead halfway, led 3 out, ridden and headed entering straight, no impression in 2nd when slight mistake last, no extra and dropped to 3rd run-in, 3rd of 6, 13 3/4l behind Egality Mans (11-12) at Wexford 3m 1f hvy in Mar.
Caesar Rock (IRE) 15-2 (11-12) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, 3rd and slight mistake 3 out, ridden early straight and no impression approaching last, no extra run-in, 3rd of 15, 21 1/2l behind Optional Mix (11-5) at Thurles 2m 5f Yielding in Mar.
Fighter Allen (FR) 66-1 (11-10) Rear, slightly hampered at 6th, 6th at 8th, under pressure in 5th after 2 out, no impression in moderate 4th before last, weakened run-in, tailed off, 4th of 8, dist behind Galopin Des Champs (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m 5f (1) Yielding in Feb.
