Verdict

Jim Bolger has given McGuigan a break since scoring over an extended 1m2f in January and though he's never won over this trip it will be a surprise if he doesn't last home. He finished a long way in front of DRAKENSBERG when runner-up to Ragtime Red in between his victories but Tony Martin's charge showed his liking for this trip with a very easy victory three weeks ago. The assessor has hit him hard with a 14lb rise but he's still looking well enough treated to go in again. Alcander has been alternating between hurdles and running here and would have a definite chance with a strong gallop while With A Start showed potential for William Haggas and looked a certain future winner when runner-up to Chess Grand Master over this trip in January. He couldn't find the pace over the extended 1m2f next time and will be a major threat back over his correct distance.

Formwatch

Tooreen Legend (IRE) 16-1 (9-4) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, ridden under 2f out and no impression 1f out, no extra and short of room final 100 yards, 7th of 10, 2 1/2l behind Park Row (9-7) at Dundalk 1m 4f hcp pol in Feb.

With A Start (IRE) 10-3 (9-7) Mid-division, some headway in 4th and ridden 2f out, no impression inside final furlong, kept on one pace, 4th of 12, 6 1/4l behind May Peace Prevail (9-7) at Dundalk 1m 3f mdn pol in Feb.

Mcguigan (IRE) 9-2 (8-12) Prominent and led after 2f, ridden 2f out and kept on well inside final furlong, won at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp pol in Jan beating Stronghold (8-13) by 1 1/2l, 11 ran.

California Lad 16-1 (8-8) Edged left from stalls, tracked leaders, ran freely, 5th halfway, ridden 2f out and no impression over 1f out, no extra, last of 10, 6 1/4l behind Park Row (9-7) at Dundalk 1m 4f hcp pol in Feb.

Alcander (FR) 12-1 (9-1) Rear of mid-division, 8th halfway, pushed along outer early straight, ridden in 5th over 1f out, kept on one pace inside final furlong, 5th of 11, 3 3/4l behind Mcguigan (8-12) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp pol in Jan.

Bibliotheca (JPN) 33-1 (9-8) Tracked leaders, bumped by rival after 1f, 5th halfway, driven along approaching straight, some headway 2f out and ridden in 3rd 1f out, slightly hampered inside final furlong, kept on one pace, 3rd of 14, 4 1/4l behind Too Precious (9-10) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp pol in Nov.

Elusive Exclusive (IRE) 33-1 (9-7) Slowly into stride, towards rear, ridden and some headway under 2f out, kept on one pace, never a factor, 8th of 12, 12 1/4l behind May Peace Prevail (9-7) at Dundalk 1m 3f mdn pol in Feb.

Machiavelli 20-1 (9-7) Towards rear, ridden early straight and 7th over 1f out, no impression and kept on one pace, never a factor, 7th of 12, 10 1/4l behind May Peace Prevail (9-7) at Dundalk 1m 3f mdn pol in Feb.

Drakensberg (IRE) 5-1 (8-12) Raced in 4th early, 5th approaching straight and travelling smoothly, challenged from under 2f out, led over 1f out, quickly asserted and stayed on well, easily, won at Dundalk 1m 4f hcp pol in Feb beating Magic Sea (9-4) by 6l, 13 ran.

Sharjah (IRE) 13-2 (9-10) Led, strongly pressed early straight and headed 1 1/2f out, no extra final furlong, 5th of 13, 12 1/2l behind Chaparral Dream (9-10) at Dundalk 1m 4f hcp pol in Feb.