in touch in 3rd or 4th, 3rd approaching straight, challenged on inner and disputed lead 2 out, led under pressure before last, stayed on best run-in
in touch in 3rd or 4th, mistake 5th, ridden in last approaching straight, soon no extra and eased
led, ridden before 2 out, soon joined and headed, no extra in 3rd and kept on same pace from before last
tracked leader, ridden before 2 out, soon on terms, headed and kept on same pace from before last
A fine start to an excellent card. The four-year-olds Carlito Brigante and Son Amix are potentially top-notchers with the former, already a Grade 2 winner, sure to be involved at the highest level this campaign. Shinrock Paddy has a top-class success to his credit having beaten three rivals in a Grade 1 at Navan in December. His poor run in the Albert Bartlett at Cheltenham was probably just a blip though he faces a stiff task under his penalty. RIGOUR BACK BOB was in tremendous form in the spring and his progressive profile suggests he should be good enough for this before tackling higher grade contests.
Shinrock Paddy (IRE) 8-1 (11-7) Mid-division, jumped slowly and lost place 4th, pulled up before 8th, in a race won by Berties Dream (11-7) at Cheltenham 3m nov hdl Grade 1 (1) gd in Mar, 19 ran.
Rigour Back Bob (IRE) 9-10fav (11-10) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, headway to 3rd 5 out, improved to narrow lead 3 out, left clear 2 out, easily, won at Down Royal 2m 6f hdl gf in May beating High Amenity (10-6) by 22l, 12 ran.
Imperial Shabra (IRE) 13-2 (11-7) Mid-division, 6th halfway, ridden into 4th entering straight, left 2nd last, no extra run-in, 4th of 8, 6l behind L'Ami (11-0) at Galway 2m 4f nh nov hdl gd.
Son Amix (FR) 5-2fav (11-0) Chased leaders, closer in 4th approaching 3 out where slight mistake, ridden in moderate 3rd into straight, soon 4th and no impression, kept on same pace, 4th of 18, 10l behind Gimli's Rock (11-7) at Punchestown 2m 4yo hdl gd in Apr.
Carlito Brigante (IRE) 2-1fav (11-0) Chased clear leader in 2nd, clear of remainder, closer approaching 2 out, driven along and no impression entering straight, kept on one pace from before last but no chance with winner, 2nd of 9, 12l behind Barizan (11-0) at Punchestown 2m 4yo hdl Grd 1 gd in Apr.
Bruach Na Mara (IRE) 33-1 (11-1) Soon raced in 4th, no impression under pressure 3 out, kept on without threatening, 3rd of 5, 13l behind Silverhand (11-10) at Thurles 2m 6f hdl gd.
