tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, 2nd and ridden 2f out, led 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong
prominent, 2nd halfway, pushed along in 3rd entering straight, no impression over 1f out, no extra
always towards rear, never a factor, 8th halfway, no extra in rear over 1f out
chased leaders, 7th halfway, no impression 1 1/2f out, no extra
chased leaders, pushed along and 6th halfway, ridden straight and no impression over 1f out, no extra
tracked leaders, 4th halfway, no extra 2f out, weakened
slowly into stride, in rear, progress straight and 5th 1f out, kept on inside final furlong
broke well, tracked leaders, 5th halfway, no impression in 4th over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong
towards rear, never a factor, 9th halfway, ridden and no impression on outer over 1f out, kept on one pace
soon led, ridden under 2f out and headed 1f out, no impression on winner inside final furlong, kept on one pace
Balmont Blast had no answer to Dark Alliance here in November but that was his best run for a long time on his all-weather debut. Pirate's Penny has been staying on in both starts to date, looking as though he needs further, but this looks a poor race and he's on the shortlist. Smiler has won a bumper and two races over hurdles and appeared to find 1m2f too short here last week. El Dem I has definitely improved in her most recent starts and was only just over a length behind Tirghra over the track and trip in November. SAGA DIAMOND had a run at Fairyhouse in the summer and showed the benefit with a very good effort over 1m2f here last month where she was leading at this trip. She has a nice pedigree and can get the victory she needs for the paddocks.
Balmont Blast (IRE) 14-1 (9-5) Chased leaders, disputing 3rd and ridden entering straight, no impression on winner 1 1/2f out, 4th 1f out, kept on without threatening in 2nd inside final furlong, 2nd of 11, 4 1/2l behind Dark Alliance (9-2) at Dundalk 6f mdn stks pol in Nov.
Bitusa (USA) 16-1 (9-1) Started slowly, raced wide and off the pace towards rear, never on terms, 7th of 8, 10l behind Cape of Hope (9-1) at Catterick 7f clm stks (6) gf in Jul.
Bumble Bee Slim 33-1 (8-11) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, pushed along 2f out and no impression in 7th 1f out, no extra, 9th of 11, 12l behind Robin's Choice (9-2) at Dundalk 1m mdn stks pol.
My My (IRE) 8-1 (9-5) Slowly into stride and always behind, no impression from 2f out, never a factor, 10th of 11, 28l behind Dark Alliance (9-2) at Dundalk 6f mdn stks pol in Nov.
Pirate's Penny (IRE) 12-1 (9-5) Chased leaders, ran freely, 6th halfway, pushed along outer entering straight, no impression 1f out, kept on one pace, 5th of 7, 5l behind Togoville (9-10) at Dundalk 7f Stakes (0-75) (4yo+) pol.
Smiler (IRE) 4-1 (9-2) Dwelt, raced in 12th, soon mid-division, 9th 3f out, chased leaders 1f out and no impression, squeezed for room inside final furlong, one pace,, 7th of 14, 6l behind Thirteen Diamonds (9-5) at Dundalk 1m 3f mdn stks pol.
Tennesse Waltz (IRE) Footstepsinthesand gelding out of Shellin.
El Dem I (IRE) 7-1 (9-1) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, ridden and no impression in 4th 1f out, kept on well under pressure inside final furlong, not reach leaders, 3rd of 8, 1 1/4l behind Tirghra (9-0) at Dundalk 1m mdn fll stks pol in Nov.
Mistress Marinrio (IRE) 33-1 (9-2) Mid-division, ran freely, 8th halfway, ridden and no impression 1f out, kept on one pace, 7th of 11, 9l behind Robin's Choice (9-2) at Dundalk 1m mdn stks pol.
Saga Diamond (IRE) 22-1 (9-0) Dwelt, soon led, strongly pressed 1f out, headed and one pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 14, 5l behind Tom Melbourne (9-5) at Dundalk 1m 3f mdn stks pol in Dec.
Mysticaltou (IRE) 33-1 (9-2) Dwelt, towards rear, ridden before straight, no impression 2f out, no extra and eased inside final furlong,, 13th of 14, 18l behind Thirteen Diamonds (9-5) at Dundalk 1m 3f mdn stks pol.
