soon led, ridden 3f out, headed entering straight, under pressure in 3rd 2f out, weakened final furlong
soon 2nd, dropped to 3rd on inner before halfway, ridden in 2nd 2f out, kept on same pace without reaching winner over 1f out
held up in touch, 5th 4f out, ridden entering straight, moderate 4th 1f out, went 3rd inside final furlong, kept on same pace
held up in touch on outer, last 4f out, ridden entering straight, soon no impression
chased leaders in 4th, ridden along entering straight, no impression on leaders from 2f out
3rd early, 2nd before halfway, improved to lead entering straight, soon ridden clear, stayed on well under pressure final furlong
Carraiglawn is a very interesting entry here as he's having his first start since a fine effort in the 2010 Irish Derby. Jim Bolger must believe he's recaptured some of his form and he's one to keep an eye on. Dabadiyan has gone up 27lb in the ratings following his hat-trick and there's no reason why there shouldn't be more to come. However, another making a comeback after a long absence is ALFONSO DE SOUSA, whose last start was in York's Acomb Stakes last August where he finished a close third. Entries at Group level in the next few weeks suggest he'll be ready for this and he'll take some beating.
Jazz Girl (IRE) 10-1 (9-4) Led, ridden and challenged over 2f out, headed entering straight, no extra in 3rd 1f out, kept on same pace, lost 3rd closing stages, 4th of 9, 5l behind Missunited (9-4) at Galway 1m 4f Listed stks (1) gd.
Dabadiyan (IRE) 4-6fav (9-1) Tracked leader in 2nd, travelling well 2f out, ridden to lead 1 1/2f out, strongly pressed 1f out, stayed on well under pressure final furlong, won at Down Royal 1m 5f stks gf in Jul beating Shu Lewis (9-7) by 3/4l, 8 ran.
Brog Deas (IRE) 6-1 (9-8) Raced 3rd of the 4 throughout, niggled along before straight, no impression from 2f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 4, 6l behind The United States (9-2) at Tipperary 1m 1f stks gd in Aug.
Carraiglawn (IRE) 20-1 (9-0) Mid-division, 7th 5f out, soon ridden, kept on one paced from 2f out, 6th of 10, 6l behind Cape Blanco (9-0) at Curragh 1m 4f 3yo Grp 1 (1) gf in Jun '10.
Honourable Emperor (IRE) 16-1 (9-4) Chased leaders, ridden and weakened 4f out, eased straight, last of 11, well behind Shadow Gate (9-5) at Dundalk 1m 3f 3yo stks pol in Oct.
Afonso De Sousa (USA) 11-4 (9-0) Led, clear 4f out, ridden and headed 2f out, chased winner until inside final furlong, stayed on same pace, 3rd of 5, 1 1/4l behind Dundonnell (9-0) at York 7f 2yo Grp 3 (1) gf in Aug '12.
