settled behind leaders in 4th early, dropped to 6th halfway, kept wide back straight, pushed along into 4th 3f out, ridden and no impression 2f out, kept on one pace
held up, 5th halfway, ridden and no extra 2f out
led, ridden to assert over 2f out, challenged 1f out, soon headed and no extra, kept on same pace
chased leader in 2nd, 3rd 4f out, ridden under 2f out, no impression over 1f out, kept on same pace
chased leaders, 3rd halfway, 2nd 4f out, ridden in 2nd and no impression leader 2f out, stayed on to challenge 1f out, soon led, kept on well final furlong
keen hold in rear, ridden and no impression 2f out, moderate 5th under 1f out, kept on one pace
held up early, headway into 4th halfway, pushed along in 5th 3f out, no extra over 2f out
THE FOUR ELMS can go well here at a big price as he was in cracking form on this track at this time a year ago, scoring over hurdles and then taking this race a couple of weeks later. He hasn't had much racing subsequently and a chance is taken that he's ready to do himself justice again. Double Double is lightly-raced considering his age and though not seen since November is perfectly capable of running a big race despite a big weight while Benbecula will be fancied to go one better after being caught on the line by Fairylike at Dundalk. Waydownsouth has slipped to an attractive mark and Quench The Flame isn't badly treated though may just need the run.
Double Double (FR) 16-1 (8-12) Held up in rear, headway entering straight, moderate 11th 1 1/2f out, stayed on well, never nearer, 7th of 18, 6l behind Face Value (8-2) at Leopardstown 2m hcp sft in Nov.
Prince Chaparral (IRE) 7-1 (8-12) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, chased leader approaching straight and 2nd 2f out, ridden and dropped to 4th 1f out, no extra, 9th of 14, 4 1/2l behind Aladdins Cave (9-1) at Dundalk 1m 4f hcp pol in Nov.
Benbecula 11-1 (9-7) Soon led and attempted to make most, clear after halfway and 10 lengths ahead entering straight, soon ridden and reduced lead over 1f out, kept on under pressure, no extra and headed closing stages, 2nd of 14, 1/2l behind Fairylike (8-12) at Dundalk 1m 4f app hcp pol in Feb.
Waydownsouth (IRE) 5-1 (9-10) Mid-division, ridden into 5th 2f out, 4th 1f out, kept on final furlong to 3rd close home, 3rd of 13, 1 1/2l behind Heavy Weight (9-3) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp pol in Nov.
The Four Elms (IRE) 10-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, 7th halfway, weakened from 4f out, trailing straight, eased, last of 18, well behind Face Value (8-2) at Leopardstown 2m hcp sft in Nov.
Quench The Flame 16-1 (8-5) Chased leaders, ridden to challenge on inner straight, on terms from 2f out, headed and kept on same pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 16, 2 3/4l behind Precious Stone (8-2) at Leopardstown 1m App hcp sft in Oct.
Shabra Emperor (IRE) 16-1 (8-8) Always towards rear, ridden and no impression entering straight, 10th of 12, 10l behind Solo Performer (9-12) at Dundalk 1m 4f hcap pol in Mar.
Passion Planet (IRE) 4-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, went 2nd over 3f out, no chance with winner, lost 2nd over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 6, 15l behind Bernisdale (8-10) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-70 (5) pol in Mar.
