tracked leader in 2nd for much, some slow jumps, mistake 8th and briefly dropped to 3rd, disputed lead 3 out, ridden to lead entering straight, stayed on well under pressure from 2 out, all out close home
tracked leaders in 3rd, slight mistake 7th, 3rd entering straight, soon ridden, 4th after 2 out, no impression
led, not fluent at 1st and 3rd, joined 3 out, ridden and headed entering straight, soon weakened
held up in last, headway after 3 out, ridden in close 4th on outer 2 out, 3rd at last, 2nd early run-in and stayed on well inside final furlong, just failed
held up in 4th, went 3rd 3 out, ridden in 2nd entering straight, 2nd at last, 3rd early run-in, no impression inside final furlong
Steel Wave is only moderate over hurdles but looks like being a much better chaser judging by his debut victory at Kilbeggan. He's taking on better company here and Peace News is likely to attract support after following his Down Royal victory with a fair effort in a better race at Punchestown. Lean And Keen has shown he has ability but has failed to complete in three of seven runs over fences so may be one to swerve. AMAULINO is only five and though a dual hurdles winner has always had the stamp of a chaser, which he showed on his debut at Tipperary last month. There's more to come and he gets the nod as Mine Now has come to chasing late in life though had some smart form over timber and made a pleasing debut over fences at Limerick last month.
Peace News (GER) 14-1 (11-10) Tracked leader, 3rd halfway, slow 6th, pushed along 3 out and no impression in 4th after next, no extra, 4th of 6, 18 1/4l behind Light That (11-4) at Punchestown 2m gd in May.
Steel Wave (IRE) 4-1jfav (11-12) Chased leaders in 3rd, slight mistake 6th, improved to dispute lead before last and ridden to lead run-in, kept on well, won at Kilbeggan 2m 4f sft in May beating Matin D'Anjou (11-12) by 1 1/2l, 14 ran.
Amaulino (FR) 14-1 (11-9) Tracked leaders, 2nd after 2nd, 3rd before 4th, on terms approaching straight, soon led, pressed from 2 out, stayed on well from last, won at Tipperary 2m 7f sft in May beating Kaiser Black (11-12) by 1 1/2l, 10 ran.
Lean And Keen (IRE) 12-1 (11-3) Soon raced in 5th, slight mistake 4th, pushed along briefly 8th, closed up 10th, soon every chance until no impression when impeded run-in and kept on same pace, 4th of 6, 7 1/2l behind Snugsborough Benny (11-3) at Down Royal 2m 4f gd in May.
Mine Now (IRE) 7-1 (11-12) Prominent early, soon chased leaders, not fluent 3 out, no impression before straight, 8th of 15, 18 1/2l behind Damut (11-12) at Limerick 2m 3f gd in May.
