raced keenly in touch, smooth headway over 4f out, led over 2f out, drew clear over 1f out, pushed out, readily
held up, headway over 4f out, every chance over 2f out, soon ridden and outpaced, no impression final furlong
mid-division, ridden to chase leaders over 3f out, soon weakened
behind, struggling halfway, ridden and kept on from over 2f out, never near leaders
raced keenly in mid-division, headway halfway, weakened over 3f out
set steady pace, headed halfway, chased leaders until ridden and weakened over 3f out
always prominent, effort and every chance over 2f out, ridden and weakened over 1f out
raced keenly, tracked leader, led halfway, headed 3f out, soon ridden and weakened
held up behind, headway 4f out, kept on final 2f, no impression
in touch, lost place 6f out, ridden and weakened 4f out
held up behind, headway and prominent on outside over 3f out, ridden and one pace final 2f
in touch, ridden over 3f out, kept on same pace
Striking Article gets our vote in the bumper, with Another Brother and Robbie Dye also considered. The selection made a winning debut in a bumper at Fairyhouse last month and the manner of that success marked him down as one that would be capable of following-up. However, he is no good thing and there are plenty of dangers in the field. Another Brother showed a bit of promise on his debut in Ireland back in February and he may not have been suited by the testing conditions that day. He will need to improve to win this but that is not beyond him and he has to be of interest. Robbie Dye shaped with plenty of promise at Newcastle last time but he has yet to race on good ground. Trainer Peter Beaumont has got his string in good form at present so Braddock Island is worth a look in the market on his debut. Bonneta is another interesting newcomer from a stable that merits plenty of respect in these type of events. However, there is little doubt that Striking Article has the best form on show here and he looks the safest bet.
Striking Article (IRE) 10-1 (11-11) Tracked leaders, 5th halfway, led 5f out, ridden clear straight, stayed on well, won at Fairyhouse 2m nhf gf in Oct beating Hi Big Spec (11-5) by 4l, 15 ran.
Another Brother (IRE) 4-1jt-fav (11-7) Prominent, short of room before straight, 3rd over 2f out, soon no impression under pressure, kept on one pace, 4th of 18, 11l behind Cara Mara (11-2) at Gowran Park 2m 1f nhf hvy in Feb.
Braddock Island Rock City gelding, half-brother to winning chaser Ocean Dancer.
Heathcliff (IRE) Glacial Storm gelding, half-brother to high-class jumper Kingsmark.
Robbie Dye 5-1 (11-4) In touch, led 3f out, soon ridden, headed inside final furlong, kept on well, just held, 2nd of 10, shd behind Breakwater House (11-4) at Newcastle 2m nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Silver Breese Silver Patriarch gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Skipping Chapel 15-2 (10-11) In touch, led over 3f out, ridden and kept on until headed inside final furlong, 2nd of 18, 2l behind Alderseed (11-1) at Perth 2m nhf (5) gd in May.
Strong Command (IRE) 16-1 (10-8) Held up, ridden over 3f out, soon chased leaders, kept on, 3rd of 18, 3 1/2l behind Alderseed (11-1) at Perth 2m nhf (5) gd in May.
The Fabricator (FR) Video Rock gelding, half-brother to several winning jumpers.
Toby Mac Presidium gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Bonneta (FR) Bonnet Rouge filly out of winning stayer Incognito.
Janal (IRE) Taipan filly, half-sister to winning bumper Lie Forrit.
Kopylova Moscow Society filly out of winning jumper Country Store.
One Black Cat Wizard King filly out of Flat and hurdles winner Princess Topaz.
Dark Gentleman 16-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders, headway to lead over 2f out, one pace final furlong, 2nd of 13, 5l behind Corkage (11-1) at Hexham 2m nhf (6) gf in Oct.
Do It For Dalkey Silver Patriarch gelding, half-brother to winning hurdlers This Thyne and Dalkeys Lad.
