mid-division, ridden and no impression straight, never a factor
rear of mid-division, closer in 5th 3f out, ridden in moderate 5th under 2f out, 4th 1f out, kept on without threatening final furlong
chased leaders in 4th and took keen hold 3rd entering straight, ridden in 2nd 1 1/2f out, strongly pressed winner inside final furlong, kept on close home
chased leader in 2nd, improved to lead under 2f out, soon ridden, strongly pressed inside final furlong, stayed on well close home
chased leaders in 3rd, ridden 2f out, soon no impression
led, ridden 2f out, headed under 2f out, no impression final furlong
in rear, 7th on outer entering straight, soon ridden and no impression
in rear, took keen hold, no impression from over 2f out, never a factor
Many of these have been racing against each other recently. Winning hurdler Zanjabeel was well supported a fortnight ago when he appeared to be travelling strongly throughout before finding little for pressure. He should still have the beating of Song Of Love, who was receiving 6lb when beating him a neck over the course and distance then followed up over 1m2f from stable companion Udogo. He's up another 7lb and this looks more difficult as the runner-up will be 6lb better off and SPECIFIC GRAVITY, a close third, is 13lb better off taking jockey claims into consideration. Though the latter has never won over a trip this far, this could be his day. Mainicin was runner-up to the latter in November but will appreciate the extra distance and has to be respected.
Political Policy (IRE) 12-1 (10-3) Held up towards rear, never a factor, ridden and no impression under 2f out, kept on one pace, 9th of 14, 7 3/4l behind Song Of Love (8-5) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp pol in Dec.
Song Of Love (IRE) 6-1 (8-5) Rear of mid-division, ridden and progress between horses over 1f out, led 150 yards out, stayed on well, won at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp pol in Dec beating Udogo (8-10) by 1 3/4l, 14 ran.
Specific Gravity (FR) 20-1 (8-11) Mid-division, 7th halfway, progress 2f out, ridden and no impression in 6th 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong, 3rd of 14, 1 3/4l behind Song Of Love (8-5) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp pol in Dec.
Udogo 10-1 (8-10) Tracked leaders, 5th halfway, ridden under 2f out and challenged inside final furlong, no impression on winner final 100 yards, 2nd of 14, 1 3/4l behind Song Of Love (8-5) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp pol in Dec.
Kalann (IRE) 50-1 (8-11) Slowly into stride, rear of mid-division on outer, pushed along and no impression under 2f out, no extra, 11th of 14, 9 1/4l behind Song Of Love (8-5) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp pol in Dec.
Zanjabeel 2-1fav (9-5) Rear of mid-division, 9th on outer halfway, some progress under 2f out and ridden in 5th 1f out, kept on one pace inside final furlong, 4th of 14, 1 1/4l behind The Paris Shrug (9-0) at Dundalk 1m 4f mdn pol in Dec.
Mainicin (IRE) 6-1 (9-6) Prominent and led after 2f, ridden and headed 1f out, no impression on winner inside final furlong, 2nd of 14, 2l behind Specific Gravity (9-4) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp pol in Nov.
Black Label 20-1 (10-12) Held up, slightly impeded 2nd, headway and effort straight, no impression and kept on same pace inside final furlong, 5th of 17, 6 1/4l behind Concordin (11-2) at Leopardstown 2m 2f hcp Yielding in Dec.
Mr Boss Man (IRE) 14-1 (11-3) Soon led, joined after 3 out, soon headed, no extra from before 2 out, 4th of 7, 15 1/2l behind Undressed (11-7) at Limerick 2m 7f Soft - Heavy in Dec.
