led, pressed approaching straight, soon pushed along and headed, dropped to last and no extra 1f out, one pace
raced in 2nd, pushed along briefly on inner approaching straight, soon led, stayed on well inside final furlong
raced behind leaders in rear, pushed along to challenge on outer straight, no impression and kept on same pace inside final furlong
This should be a real tactical battle with three top riders in opposition. Patrick Mullins gets the ride on Cesar Du Gouet, though his mount was well beaten in a Leopardstown bumper last year and again in a point-to-point this March though both times attracting support. Nina Carberry is on board Athenean and Noel Meade's charge ran well enough on his debut in a huge field here in April to suggest he'll be winning soon. Derek O'Connor takes the ride on RHINESTONE for Joseph O'Brien and his mount, a son of Montjeu, should have more pace than his two rivals so gets the nod.
Cesar Du Gouet (FR) 4-1 (12-2) Ld, 15l clr by 4th, 10l adv 1/2way, red adv bef 2out & sn hdd, no ex in 3rd aft 2out, wknd straight, 5th of 8, 26 1/2l behind Sir Bob (12-2) at Lemonfield 3m mdn hvy in Mar.
Athenean (IRE) 25-1 (11-7) Raced in 10th early, one pace under pressure from before straight, 12th of 23, 8 3/4l behind Roaring Bull (11-7) at Punchestown 2m Good - Yielding in Apr.
Rhinestone (IRE) Montjeu gelding out of Apticanti.
