tracked leaders in 3rd, headway into 2nd 3f out, improved to lead under 2f out, pushed out and hung left from over 1f out, kept on
chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden and no impression entering straight, kept on same pace
settled behind leaders, 5th halfway, ridden and no impression entering straight, weakened
chased leader in 2nd, 3rd 3f out, ridden over 2f out, 2nd 1f out, no impression leader, kept on same pace
led, ridden and challenged 2f out, soon headed, no extra over 1f out, kept on same pace
held up in 6th, ridden into 5th 2f out, no impression and kept on one pace
always in rear, pushed along and trailing halfway, kept on one pace straight
Aidan O'Brien has won this seven times in ten years and means business here with three entries. RECITAL, whose Group 1 victory in Italy last year came on heavy ground, was a major disappointment on his return to action in the Ballysax here though connections didn't appear unduly concerned by the performance. He'll need to do better but should finish in front of stablemate Regent Street, runner-up that day, as this trip will play more to his strengths. Rich Tapestry, who finished fourth, should also improve though it's doubtful he can reverse the form with the placed horses. Best Hello and Zanughan are progressive enough to spring a surprise if the likely favourite doesn't come up to scratch.
Recital (FR) 8-13fav (9-6) Keen hold and settled towards rear, checked over 2f out, pushed along into 5th 1 1/2f out, 4th 1f out, hung left under pressure and no extra inside final furlong, 3rd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Banimpire (8-12) at Leopardstown 1m 2f 3yo Grp 3 (1) gf in Apr.
Best Hello 33-1 (9-0) Always prominent, 2nd halfway, led entering straight, soon strongly pressed, stayed on well under pressure inside final furlong, won at Leopardstown 1m 2f mdn stks in Mar beating Apache (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 13 ran.
Giant Step (IRE) 13-8 (9-0) Tracked leaders on inner, 4th halfway, good headway to lead just under 2f out, stretched clear from over 1f out, pushed out and stayed on well, won at Cork 1m 3yo mdn gd in Apr beating Kilbirnie (9-0) by 6l, 13 ran.
Memphis Tennessee (IRE) 11-10fav (8-12) Tracked leaders, 5th entering straight, went 3rd and challenged over 1f out, led well inside final furlong and kept on well, won at Dundalk 1m 2yo mdn stks pol in Nov beating Giants Serapis (9-3) by 1 1/2l, 14 ran.
Regent Street (IRE) 25-1 (9-1) Led, disputed halfway, ridden over 2f out, headed 1f out, kept on, no extra close home, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Banimpire (8-12) at Leopardstown 1m 2f 3yo Grp 3 (1) gf in Apr.
Rich Tapestry (IRE) 14-1 (9-1) Held up towards rear, headway into 5th 4f out, ridden into 4th 2f out, 3rd 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 4th of 7, 1 3/4l behind Banimpire (8-12) at Leopardstown 1m 2f 3yo Grp 3 (1) gf in Apr.
Zanughan (IRE) 2-5fav (9-0) Tracked leaders on outer, 7th halfway, brought to stands' side in straight, went 3rd 2f out, soon pushed along to lead, kept on well inside final furlong, won at Navan 1m 2f mdn stks gs in Apr beating Wakhan (8-11) by 1l, 16 ran.
