Verdict

Mad For Road had a battle with Buccaneer Bob over the course and distance three weeks ago, just collaring the runner-up on the post. BLUE RIDGE LANE, who was an unlucky in-running third, suffered interference on his subsequent run last week and it would be no surprise to see him reverse the form and take this despite his big weight. Noah Webster doesn't have much in the way of pace and was sent over two miles here last time but Armed Guard would be a threat if ready after a break as he was progressing along the right lines when last seen in the autumn.

Formwatch

Blue Ridge Lane (IRE) 8-1 (10-0) Rear of mid-division, ridden early straight, plenty to do when checked over 1f out, soon eased, 12th of 14, 14l behind Shabra Emperor (9-8) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp 47-65 pol.

Buccaneer Bob (IRE) 7-2fav (9-8) Prominent, led from 6f out, tending to hang away from rail from 2f out, kept on final furlong, caught near line, 2nd of 14, nk behind Mad For Road (8-8) at Dundalk 1m 4f hcp 47-65 pol.

Colla Pier (IRE) 16-1 (9-10) Dwelt, soon chased leaders, 7th entering straight, soon ridden and weakened, 10th of 13, 5l behind Stoichkhov (8-4) at Dundalk 1m hcp 47-65 pol.

Fabbiaano (IRE) 33-1 (9-6) Tracked leaders, 5th 2f out, soon no impression, kept on same pace, 9th of 13, 4 1/2l behind Supernovae (9-0) at Dundalk 1m 4f mdn stks pol in Nov.

Gothen Niece (IRE) 20-1 (9-5) Led, headed after 4f, 3rd halfway, ridden in 6th 2f out, soon no extra and kept on one pace, 9th of 15, 9l behind Sheilas Wish (9-5) at Gowran Park 1m 4f hcp 47-65 gs in Sep.

Head Waiter (IRE) 9-2 (11-2) 5th of 15, 2 1/2l behind Sendar (10-7) at Killarney 1m 4f hcp 0-70 gd in May '07.

Stay In My Heart (IRE) 9-4 (8-9) Settled in 4th, headway into 2nd 4f out, driven along and no impression on winner from over 1f out, kept on one pace, 2nd of 6, 8l behind Zabana (9-5) at Tramore 1m 4f 3yo mdn sft in Oct.

Noah Webster (IRE) 16-1 (8-9) Chased leader in 2nd, ridden in 3rd entering straight, no impression on winner from 2f out, went 2nd under 1f out, kept on one paced, 2nd of 12, 7l behind Raise The Beat (9-10) at Dundalk 2m mdn stks pol.

Mad For Road (IRE) 16-1 (8-8) Rear of mid-division, headway to chase leaders 2f out, stayed on well final furlong to lead near line, won at Dundalk 1m 4f hcp 47-65 pol beating Buccaneer Bob (9-8) by nk, 14 ran.

Pacey Outswinger (IRE) 25-1 (8-7) Chased leading trio, ridden over 2f out, weakened final furlong, 6th of 11, 8l behind Boonga Roogeta (9-10) at Wolverhampton 1m 1f hcp 0-60 (6) pol in Nov.

The Pott Reidy (USA) 16-1 (8-10) 5th of 14, 4l behind Asian Wing (8-13) at Dundalk 1m 4f hcp 47-65 pol.

Wild And Innocent (IRE) 33-1 (8-8) 10th of 14, 7l behind Asian Wing (8-13) at Dundalk 1m 4f hcp 47-65 pol.

Armed Guard (IRE) 9-1 (8-4) Rear of mid-division, headway into 6th entering straight, 4th 1f out and kept on same pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 14, 2 1/2l behind Regal Warrior (9-2) at Dundalk 1m 4f app hcp 47-65 pol in Nov.

Misteireach (USA) 14-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden and no extra 3f out, 15th of 16, 23l behind Stocktons Wing (9-12) at Navan 1m 3yo hcp 47-65 sft in Jun.

Gan Locht (USA) 20-1 (8-6) Always towards rear, never a factor, 15th of 16, 44l behind Star Of Aragon (9-7) at Wexford 1m 6f hcp 47-65 in May.

Lady Lyrath (IRE) 14-1 (8-4) 8th of 14, 5l behind Asian Wing (8-13) at Dundalk 1m 4f hcp 47-65 pol.

Fellisha (IRE) 25-1 (9-2) Mid-division, ridden 3f out, no impression from 2f out, 7th of 12, 14l behind Raise The Beat (9-10) at Dundalk 2m mdn stks pol.