chased leader, disputed 2nd, ridden 2f out, no extra in 4th 1f out, kept on one pace
mid-division, pushed along in 8th halfway, no impression 2f out, kept on one pace
soon chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden into 2nd 1 1/2f out, no impression winner 1f out, lost 2nd closing stages and 4th close home
mid-division, pushed along into 6th 2f out, ridden in 5th 1f out, kept on final furlong to 2nd closing stages
held up towards rear, ridden and no impression 2f out
chased leader, disputed 2nd, ridden 2f out, soon no extra and weakened
soon led, ridden and kept on well from over 1f out
chased leaders on outer, 5th halfway, ridden in 4th 2f out, 3rd 1 1/2f out, no extra inside final furlong, kept on same pace
dwelt and in rear, 9th halfway, ridden and no impression 2f out
jumped well and led briefly, soon restrained in mid-division, 7th halfway, pushed along 2f out, ridden in 6th 1f out, kept on final furlong to 3rd close home
Paul Deegan is finding it difficult getting a race out of SMOKE CHARGER, who is still a maiden. He has definitely improved since racing on quicker going and only just failed to make all at Roscommon on Monday. He's on the same mark here and can hopefully gain his first success. Lord Jim has only won once in 16 starts and though in good form he may find the ground a bit lively. Samollie has yet to win on Turf though is getting closer and was only narrowly beaten by Sassaway at Down Royal but Elusive Express may just need the run having been off the course since November.
Lord Jim (IRE) 7-2fav (9-7) Prominent, led 4f out, ridden and strongly pressed 2f out, narrowly headed 1f out, kept on well in 2nd final furlong, 2nd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Kanes Pass (9-4) at Gowran Park 7f hcp 50-75 sft in May.
Hatton Cross (IRE) 25-1 (9-5) Held up in touch, 8th and ridden early straight, no impression until stayed on closing stages, 6th of 9, 10l behind Crystal Kangaroo (9-5) at Killarney 1m mdn stks in Sep.
Like Magic (IRE) 7-1 (9-6) Mid-division, ridden and no impression 2f out, kept on one pace, 12th of 16, 12l behind Speed Dream (8-7) at Navan 5f Apprentice Handicap (47-75) (3yo+) gf.
Right Divine (IRE) 16-1 (9-6) Prominent, ridden in 4th 2f out, weakened, last of 10, 13l behind Indiana Charmer (8-12) at Dundalk 1m hcp 47-65 pol in Apr.
Tsar Paul (IRE) 11-2 (9-13) Rear of mid-division, 10th approaching straight, got a run on outer from 2f out, ridden to chase leaders 1f out, kept on without getting there final furlong, 3rd of 15, 1 1/2l behind Flaring Forth (8-11) at Roscommon 7f hcp 47-65 gf.
Blackthorn Stick (IRE) 11-2 (9-7) Dwelt, towards rear, ridden and no impression 2f out, kept on one pace, 9th of 14, 10l behind Lily Of Kenmare (9-12) at Fairyhouse 7f hcp 50-70 gf.
Jumbo Steps (IRE) 11-2 (8-13) Led, strongly pressed and joined from 2f out, headed and no extra 1f out, 5th of 13, 7l behind Curl Cat (9-10) at Dundalk 1m hcp 47-65 pol in Dec.
Smoke Charger (IRE) 11-4fav (9-5) Soon led, strongly pressed from under 2f out, headed and kept on same pace from 100yds out, 2nd of 15, 3/4l behind Flaring Forth (8-11) at Roscommon 7f hcp 47-65 gf.
Elusive Express (IRE) 9-2fav (9-5) Mid-division, 7th halfway, headway entering straight and 2nd over 1f out, no impression under pressure inside final furlong and dropped to 4th closing stages, 4th of 14, 1 1/2l behind Clare Harrier (8-10) at Dundalk 1m hcp 47-65 pol in Nov.
Samollie (IRE) 7-2fav (8-11) Soon chased leaders, ridden in 6th 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, not quite get to winner, 2nd of 14, nk behind Sassaway (9-5) at Down Royal 7f hcp 47-65 gd in May.