LEOPARDSTOWN 14:50 2ti69

Non Runners: CAPTAIN CARLETON (IRE). Hurdles: 8.

Time: 3m 55.1s

Overrounds: Industry SP 142%, Betfair SP 101%

The latest renewal of this long-established handicap was perhaps a little lacking in quality, top weight Ted Veale 9 lb below the potential ceiling, but it was typically competitive and saw a pair of lightly-raced hurdlers coming to the fore, Katie T having to survive a stewards inquiry after hampering the second on the run-in, though it was hard to argue it impacted upon the result, the winning margin 3 lengths; the pace was fair.

KATIE T (IRE) given a short break, showed improved form to take this prestigious prize on just her eighth start over hurdles, travelling strongly throughout, the manner of victory suggesting there is more to come; mid-division, tanked along, headway approaching 4 out, produced to lead approaching last, slightly slow there, handing the runner-up another chance, hung left run-in, but kept going well with the aid of the rail; won't be short of options in her bid to follow up, a rise in the weights potentially underestimating her rate of progress, whilst gaining further black type against her own sex (already a Grade 3 winner as a novice) is well within reach.

MODEM took a step forward, acquitting himself irably, a novice on only his fifth hurdles outing; mid-division, travelled smoothly, crept closer from fourth, led 2 out, headed approaching last but keeping on when hampered by winner run-in; is unlikely to be rated high enough to get into the handicaps at Cheltenham, but he is going the right way and should find plenty of opportunities at home.

TED VEALE (IRE) back over hurdles/refitted with a hood, ran right up to his best, finishing to good effect under top weight; in rear, headway approaching 2 out, forced to switch approaching last, stayed on; is 7 lb higher than when landing the County Hurdle in 2013 but is clearly still on a competitive mark and, with his jumping often an issue over fences, it will be interesting to see how connections campaign him close to hand.

SAVELLO (IRE) was an intriguing contender, last year's Grand Annual winner back over hurdles for the first time since June 2012, 22 lb lower in this sphere, and he produced a promising effort, clearly stripping fitter for his recent reappearance; in touch, travelled fluently, upsides 2 out, ridden soon after, one paced.

PINK COAT was in at the deep end for his return to action and shaped encouragingly after 14 months off, the drying ground in his favour; held up, headway 4 out, ridden 2 out, kept on; entitled to come on for the run, he could prove capable of picking up a decent prize in the weeks ahead.

PAIROFBROWNEYES (IRE) ran creditably after 9 weeks off and will remain of interest, eligible for significantly lesser races than this after all; mid-division, headway 2 out, untidy last, one paced.

DRACO has had plenty of racing for a novice but caught the eye here, leaving the impression we have yet to see the best of him; dropped out, still plenty to do when hampered 2 out, ran on late, never a threat; looks worth a try at 2½m (dam stayed 21f), but is one to keep an eye on regardless.

FORT SMITH (IRE) ran respectably in the face of a stiff assignment, the ability there to defy this sort of mark, coaxing it out of him the task, this a rather typical display; patiently ridden, travelled smoothly, crept closer approaching fourth, shaken up between last 2, one paced.

RIGHTDOWNTHEMIDDLE (IRE) wasn't disgraced, but lacked the pace to land a telling blow, his very best form at 2½m+; held up, crept closer approaching 2 out, ridden soon after, never a threat.

SNAKE EYES (IRE) ran to a similar level as when successful at Sandown 7 weeks earlier, more needed following a 5 lb rise, application a greater issue than latent talent; mid-division, went with enthusiasm, headway approaching 2 out, carried head awkwardly and found less than looked likely, held when slightly short of room last.

KASHMIR PEAK (IRE) wasn't in the same form as last time, this a much deeper affair than the 5-runner contest he took at Doncaster; held up, mistake 4 out, beaten 2 out.

SHANTOU ED (IRE) held sound claims based on the form of last month's C&D win but proved rather disappointing, perhaps needing still softer ground at this trip (bred to stay at least 2½m); mid-division, lost place approaching 2 out, no further impression.

SEA BEAT is too high in the weights based on what he has achieved over hurdles, this actually a creditable effort in form despite the fact he never threatened; waited with, beaten 2 out.

LUCKY BRIDLE (IRE) back in handicap company, was below form after 10 weeks off, not for the first time compromising his chance by racing freely; disputed lead, untidy second, went on approaching 4 out, headed 2 out, faltered.

SHADOW CATCHER continues to struggle since returning from a 14-month absence; chased leaders, weakened 2 out, eased.

BISHOPSLOUGH (IRE) failed to come on for his recent run and has plenty to prove at present; in rear, labouring approaching 2 out.

FORTY FOOT TOM was a winner here over fences at Christmas, but made little appeal in a race of this nature and finished well held; disputed lead until fourth, weakened approaching 2 out.

ROCK THE WORLD (IRE) ran poorly, his conqueror over C&D last month similarly disappointing, Draco doing his bit to uphold that form in seventh; soon steadied, weakened approaching 2 out.

FOLLOW THE SIGN (IRE) followed a good run with a below-par one; handy, folded approaching 2 out.

TOO SCOOPS (IRE) turned in a lacklustre display; chased leaders, soon off bridle, lost place third, behind when hampered 4 out; temperament under suspicion.

KYLESTYLE (IRE) after 8 weeks off, showed little for the second time in as many starts this season; waited with, beaten 3 out.

WAXIES DARGLE was well fancied, but failed to complete after 9 weeks off; patiently ridden, fell 4 out, too far out to suggest outcome.

CACHEOFGOLD (IRE) after 6 months off, easy to put a line through this run; raced off the pace, in touch when brought down 4 out.

CLONDAW WARRIOR (IRE) attracted , sent off second favourite, but didn't get the chance to atone for his performance in the Ladbroke, in rear but yet to be asked for his effort when brought down 4 out; went without the hood on this occasion, incidentally.