keen hold and chased leader in 2nd, ridden in 3rd under 2f out, no extra over 1f out, dropped to 4th inside final furlong
held up in rear, ridden under 2f out, no impression and kept on to moderate 3rd inside final furlong
made all, ridden 2f out, kept on well final furlong
settled 3rd, ridden into 2nd under 2f out, no impression winner final furlong, kept on same pace
Military Bowl won a Listed contest in France in 2011 but hasn't done much over hurdles since joining Tony Martin. Chicago won three times for Aidan O'Brien and didn't run badly for new connections at Meydan this winter. O'Brien runs EL SALVADOR here and though the son of Galileo will need to improve again there's every chance he will do so as his victory in a Dundalk handicap over Wrekin Rock was boosted when the runner-up, who was receiving 16lb, went in next time. The obvious danger is Voleuse De Coeurs, who looked an outstanding staying prospect when landing the Irish Cesarewitch by no less than 10l and expect to see her in the major Cup races later in the season. Rich Coast had some strong form in France and ran very well to take a Cork handicap last month so he's another to note in an interesting finale.
Rich Coast 5-1 (9-7) Made all, ridden clear 1 1/2f out, kept on strongly, reduced advantage closing stages, comfortably, won at Cork 1m 2f hcp sft in Mar beating Cheval Rouge (9-0) by 1 3/4l, 8 ran.
Chicago (IRE) 25-1 (8-11) 8th of 10, 10l behind Ahzeemah (8-11) at Meydan(UAE) 1m 6f Grp 3 fst in Mar.
El Salvador (IRE) 11-10fav (9-7) Close up and disputed lead, in front approaching straight, slightly awkward head carriage but kept on well from over 1f out, won at Dundalk 1m 4f hcap pol in Feb beating Wrekin Rock (8-5) by 2 1/2l, 13 ran.
Voleuse De Coeurs (IRE) 6-1fav (9-1) Rear of mid-division, smooth headway 4f out, 7th early straight, led travelling easily over 1f out, drew clear, not extended, won at Curragh 2m hcp hvy in Oct beating Missunited (9-11) by 10l, 27 ran.
Encrypted Message (IRE) 20-1 (9-0) Always behind, pushed along after halfway, weakened entering straight, tailed off, 6th of 7, well behind Midnight Soprano (9-7) at Curragh 1m 4f Listed stks (1) hvy in Oct.
Military Bowl (USA) (8-10) won at Marseille-borely(FR) 1m 2f Listed stks (1) hvy in Nov '11, 9 ran.
