held up well off the pace last of the 3, niggled along approaching straight, closed 3 out, no impression from next, soon 2nd and kept on same pace
chased leader, closer order from 7 out, niggled along approaching straight, challenged from before 2 out where in front, soon clear and unchallenged afterwards
led and clear, keen hold, jumped left at times, appeared to be going best approaching straight, reduced lead 3 out, headed and quickly beaten next, eased
Won In The Dark has been a grand servant to connections and won over 2m4f at Killarney in May. He won't go down without a fight but the concession of 10lb to GIMLI'S ROCK may just be beyond the eight-year-old. Jessica Harrington's gelding was a long way in front of Won In The Dark on less favourable terms over 2m here three runs ago and it's worth taking a chance that his stamina will last out over this extra mile. There are no stamina doubts surrounding C&D Mossey Joe and he'll be thereabouts if fully wound-up but Roving Lad has a bit to find at the weights.
Won In The Dark (IRE) 9-2 (11-8) Waited with, no extra under pressure from before 4 out, last of 8, well behind Simenon (11-8) at Cork 2m hdl gd in May.
Gimli's Rock (IRE) 7-1 (11-8) Chased leader, ridden to get on terms approaching straight, not match winner 2 out and soon no impression, kept on same pace, 2nd of 7, 3l behind Baily Green (11-12) at Limerick 2m 3f nov chs gd in Jul.
Mossey Joe (IRE) 7-1 (11-10) Raced 3rd and took keen hold, 2nd from 6th, bad mistake 6 out, went 2nd and slight mistake 3 out, soon ridden, no impression on winner from 2 out, 2nd when fell heavily last (bleeding from nostrils post race), in a race won by Sir Des Champs (11-10) at Punchestown 3m 1f nov chs G1 (1) gs in Apr, 5 ran.
Roving Lad (IRE) 12-1 (10-11) Rear of mid-division, some headway from 3 out, no impression before next, 8th of 19, 31l behind Novarov (11-5) at Galway 3m hcp hdl 88-130 gd.
