led early, tracked leader and 2nd halfway, pushed along over 2f out and soon ridden, 3rd entering straight, headway on inner to lead 100 yards out, kept on well
ran 3rd, pushed along and dropped to rear 3f out, no extra approaching straight, weakened
held up in rear, went 3rd 3f out, pushed along and headway on outer approaching straight, challenging when hampered 1f out, soon ridden and kept on, no impression in 3rd closing stages
soon led, 2 lengths clear halfway, pushed along over 2f out, ridden and edged left to bump rival 1f out, headed 100 yards out, no impression on winner
MERROIR won this last year before completing a double at the Galway festival. She raced in much stronger company later and a long absence shouldn't be a concern. Willesee ran in Listed company at Navan last time and wasn't disgraced so connections will be pleased to see her dropped 2lb while Secret Sea, successful here a year ago, returned to winning ways at Tipperary for which she's up 6lb. Come September has been in very poor form on the Flat and over hurdles.
Merroir (IRE) 25-1 (9-8) Disputed lead early, prominent, 2nd approaching straight, soon effort, no extra final furlong, 9th of 16, 6 3/4l behind Thunder Kiss (9-13) at Naas 1m 4f lst stks (1) Yielding in Oct.
Come September (IRE) 50-1 (10-6) Dwelt slightly, raced in detached rear, closed up on field halfway, 14th 4f out, ridden over 2f out, detached and weakened 2f out, never a factor, 13th of 14, 35 1/4l behind Dha Leath (9-7) at Gowran Park 1m 1f hcp Yielding in Jun.
Secret Sea (IRE) 11-1 (10-2) Mid-division, ridden into 5th 2f out, challenged 1 1/2f out, led over 1f out, kept on well under pressure final furlong, won at Tipperary 1m 4f hcp gf in May beating Nusra (9-1) by 1/2l, 17 ran.
Willesee 16-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, soon 4th, pushed along in 5th entering straight, left 4th 3f out, ridden in moderate 3rd 2f out, no impression, kept on one pace, 3rd of 5, 11l behind Cairde Go Deo (9-0) at Navan 1m 5f lst stks (1) gd in May.
