A race which featured two of the best bumper performances on record, as the winner at Cheltenham saw off a well-regarded stable-companion, the pair a long way clear of a smart one in American Mike and leagues ahead of some lesser, but still decent, rivals. It was run at a good pace, too, as reflected in a finishing speed of just 97% as those behind wilted.
FACILE VEGA (f154 here, 149 previously) is about as good a bumper performer as we have seen, passing tests at Leopardstown and Cheltenham with flying colours and this one – which may well prove to have been his toughest yet – by showing resolution as well as a high level of form by bumper standards. He came from mid-field to challenge over 2f out but had to be asked seriously to go on with about 1f to go and dug in well as the runner-up refused to go away. He could easily go to the top over jumps also.
REDEMPTION DAY (f152 here, 136 previously) had failed to do himself justice at Cheltenham but more than justified his lofty reputation before that by putting up a high-class performance by bumper standards, denied only by a real star at this game. He was held up before improving stylishly 2f out, challenging 1f later and running on well. He is a fine prospect for novice hurdles having shown quite a bit of pace so far in bumpers.
AMERICAN MIKE (f134 here, 143 previously) might not have been at his very best, but there is nothing to suggest he would trouble the first 2 when it mattered in any case. He tracked the pace going well, led soon after 3 out, but got swamped by 2 really good rivals and did not really see off his race this time either. Expect him to do well in novice hurdles, probably at further than 2m.
VIVA DEVITO (f105 here, 133 previously) paid the price against greatly superior rivals and is better judged on his Tramore win, which suggests he is quite useful.
MADMANSGAME (f101 here, 124 previously) backpedalled after leading for a long way, again below his Navan winning form but likely to return to that sooner rather than later.
SEABANK BISTRO (f0 here, 135 previously) had shaped quite well at Cheltenham but was disappointing here for no obvious reason.
SANDOR CLEGANE (f0 here, 132 previously) probably did too much in taking a hold close up for a long way.
CARNFUNNOCK (f0 here, 121 previously)
OCEAN OF MERCY (f0 here, 125 previously)
