ALIGHTING (Joseph O’Brien) Much improved over hurdles,but two miles is too short a trip. That is not surprising as she is related to Don Poli and her dam won over two miles on the flat.
CLOSE SHAVE (Jessica Harrington) Lived up to his name by chinning (!) his nearest rival right on the line over two and a half miles. Has ability, a good attitude and seems fairly ground versatile but probably needs three miles to really sparkle.
DOCTOR PHOENIX (Gordon Elliott) Won a Grade A Chase with some authority and while the owner was talking in terms of the Champion Chase, both the trainer and jockey Davy Russell were recommending easier targets on the home front.
GLENCAIRN VIEW (Tony Mullins) He found Punchestown much more to his liking than the hills and dales at the tight Tramore circuit. Will be back at Punchestown for the Grand National Trial in a few weeks time and is certainly entitled to take his chance.
KOSHARI (Willie Mullins) A good running on second to classy stablemate Invitation Only, he looks a staying chaser of considerable promise. The winner looks a potential Cheltenham scorer and it would be no surprise to see this lad slip under the radar a bit in to a handicap at that shindig on the Cotswolds.
MITCHOUKA (Gordon Elliott) Facile Fairyhouse winner and was fully entitled to score doing handstands on his previous form. The trainer spoke about the Fred Winter which he has previously won with Flaxen Flare. Still improving, he would not be at all out of place in the Triumph Hurdle.
THE SHUNTER (John Clifford) Third and not beaten far by two very smart types in a bumper, looks sure to win one himself in the near future.
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