4.00 2m. 7f. 213yds. 13 Declared. Paddy Power Stayers' Hurdle (Grade 1) (GBB Race) (Class 1 ) of £325,000.00 4-y-o plus
1st - €182,878.00 2nd - €68,900.00 3rd - €34,482.00 4th - €17,225.00 5th - €8,645.00 6th - €4,322.00 7th - €2,145.00 8th - €1,105.00
Formscan - Teahupoo comfortably justified favouritism 12 months ago and has to be respected as he bids to defend his crown. However, he was readily swept aside by Lossiemouth on his first and only outing of the current campaign at Fairyhouse in December and it could be worth taking him on. Home By The Lee has looked a rejuvenated character this term, winning the Lismullen and Savills Hurdle, and he should be heavily involved if on another going day, while the form of The Wallpark's handicap victory here in October gives him a chance. Gowel Road never seems to run a bad race and merits consideration, as do Bob Olinger and Rocky's Diamond. The vote, however, goes to LUCKY PLACE. He caught the eye when a staying-on fourth in last season's Coral Cup, particularly as the Nicky Henderson stable was under a cloud at the time, and he has taken a step forward this term, winning at Ascot and on New Year's Day here. With this extra yardage expected to unlock further improvement, he is fancied to go very close.