disputed early, led after 1st, ridden and challenged before 2 out, kept on well, all out run-in, just held on
chased leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden in 4th 3 out, kept on same pace under pressure, no extra run-in
held up, slight mistake 6th, 7th halfway, weakened 5 out, tailed off
chased leaders, 4th halfway, 3rd 5 out, progress into 2nd 3 out, soon ridden and switched out to challenge before 2 out, no extra run-in, kept on same pace
held up, 6th halfway, ridden into 3rd 2 out, stayed on to press winner run-in, just held
rear and slow 1st, not fluent after, weakened 5 out, completely tailed off
disputed early, soon chased leader, not fluent 3rd and 4th, 2nd halfway, ridden in 3rd 3 out, no extra in 5th 2 out, kept on one pace
held up behind leaders, 5th halfway, closer in 4th before 3 out, slight mistake 3 out, soon ridden in 6th and no impression
Aranhill Chief won this a year ago but has been mainly in poor form subsequently. Bishopslough isn't the most consistent of performers but he won't mind the ground and his best form would put him in the frame. Daffern Seal once looked a very promising type but he hasn't been seen for well over two years and Galway may be a better option. Shield was disqualified when Robbie Power weighed in light at Wexford so connections will be hoping for compensation and a big run is expected but Clara Mc Cloud will be facing fast ground for the first time. After her opening bumper victory, ASK VIC started favourite in a big field of maidens at Listowel and though she eventually had to work hard she came out on top, beating subsequent winner Hell Cat Maggie. There's definitely more to come from Willie Mullins' mare and she can remain unbeaten.
Aranhill Chief (IRE) 9-1 (11-0) Towards rear, ridden into 8th after 2 out, no impression and kept on one pace, 6th of 13, 19l behind Fethard Player (11-0) at Ballinrobe 2m 4f cond hcp hdl gd in Jun.
Bishopslough (IRE) 11-4 (11-12) Held up, not fluent 3rd, impeded and not fluent next, slight mistake 5th, no danger in poor 4th when jumped left 2 out, kept on same pace, 4th of 7, 22l behind Back To Balloo (11-7) at Fairyhouse 2m 1f beg chs gf in May.
Daffern Seal (IRE) 20-1 (11-6) Held up mid-division on inside, 8th and under pressure when mistake 3 out, kept on same pace from next, never on terms, 6th of 19, 12l behind Teaforthree (11-6) at Cheltenham 4m am nov chs (2) gd in Mar '12.
Shield (IRE) 7-4 (11-12) Tracked leader in 2nd, mistake 3 out and not fluent next, soon pushed along and progress run-in, led over 1f out and kept on well, disqualified as rider weighed in light, in a race won by Bentelimar (11-12) at Wexford 2m 2f nh nov hdl gf in Jun, 4 ran.
Clara Mc Cloud (IRE) 11-4fav (10-4) Held up towards rear, headway after 9th, challenged 2 out, ridden and pressing winner flat, no impression towards finish, 2nd of 9, 2l behind Land Of Vic (10-9) at Ayr 3m mrs hcp hdl (2) gs in Apr.
Ginger Quill (IRE) 100-1 (11-12) Held up, took keen hold, fell 1st, in a race won by Cape Glory (11-4) at Punchestown 2m 4f mdn hdl in Jun, 25 ran.
Ask Vic (IRE) 6-4fav (11-7) Tracked leaders, took keen hold, slight mistake 4 out, on terms 3 out, led travelling smoothly 2 out, pressed and drifted right run-in, stayed on well to hold on at the finish, won at Listowel 2m 4f mdn hdl gd in Jun beating Hell Cat Maggie (11-7) by 3/4l, 18 ran.
Orion's Might (IRE) 16-1 (10-9) Towards rear, mistake 1st, improved into 6th from 3 out, no extra approaching straight, 9th of 14, 40l behind Brian's Express (11-4) at Kilbeggan 2m mdn hdl gf in Jun.
