soon raced in 5th, closer in 2nd 3f out, travelling smoothly straight, ridden to lead over 2f out, soon clear, stayed on well, easily
dwelt, soon detached in rear, closer order 4f out, moderate 4th from 2f out, kept on without threatening final furlong to 2nd near line
soon raced in 4th, 5th 3f out, no impression from over 2f out, moderate 2nd briefly inside final furlong, no extra and dropped to 4th near line
soon raced in 3rd, improved to lead 4f out, headed over 2f out, soon no impression and kept on same pace
soon close up and disputed lead, 3rd 3f out, dropped behind and no extra from 2f out
soon disputed lead, headed 4f out, dropped to 4th 3f out, no extra and behind from 2f out
NEWS AT SIX was rated 72 when entered for this race and is now on 87 after his surprise victory in the Apprentice Derby at the Curragh on Friday. It's no surprise to see him turning out here as the race conditions are very much in his favour and a quick double looks on the cards. Queen Of Alba made most to land a Sligo handicap last month and should go well again but Grecian Tiger hasn't run since October and will probably find this on the short side as he warms up for Galway. Snow Scene looks the biggest danger as she has been building up to another victory and looked very unlucky in-running at Down Royal last time where the gaps never came when travelling well.
News At Six (IRE) 20-1 (9-9) Held up towards rear, 7th 4f out, 6th 2f out, ridden and went 4th on outer 1 1/2f out, improved to lead inside final furlong, stayed on strongly, won at Curragh 1m 4f app stks gf in Jun beating Karezak (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 9 ran.
Grecian Tiger (IRE) 14-1 (9-5) Soon well off pace in mid-division, poor 8th over 5f out, no impression straight, kept on without threatening from over 1f out, 5th of 16, 11l behind Quick Jack (9-0) at Navan 1m 5f hcp sft in Oct.
Snow Scene (IRE) 7-2 (8-7) Disputed lead early, prominent, settled towards rear 5f out, headway 1 1/2f out where not much room, 5th 1f out, ridden to chase leaders between horses inside final furlong, stayed on well closing stages without troubling winner, 2nd of 7, 2l behind Vintage Nouveau (8-8) at Down Royal 1m 2f fll hcp gf in Jun.
Queen Of Alba (IRE) 6-1 (9-0) Led, headed after 3f, pushed along in 2nd approaching 3f out, led again over 2f out, pressed and stayed on best inside final furlong, won at Sligo 1m 2f stks gd in Jun beating Truthwillsetufree (9-0) by 1 1/2l, 5 ran.
Smoker 3-1 (9-5) Went slightly right out of stalls, took keen hold, led after 3f, headed over 2f out where dropped to 4th, no extra when soon briefly short of room, no danger after, 4th of 5, 12l behind Queen Of Alba (9-0) at Sligo 1m 2f stks gd in Jun.
Melanippe (IRE) 10-1 (8-11) Disputed lead early, prominent, pushed along approaching 2f out where lost place, switched left to outer 1 1/2f out, 6th 1f out, soon no extra, last of 7, 8l behind Vintage Nouveau (8-8) at Down Royal 1m 2f fll hcp gf in Jun.
Progenitor (IRE) 20-1 (10-11) In rear, some progress on wide outer and ridden 3f out, 10th 2f out, no impression, 8th of 16, 5l behind Zeftan (10-11) at Curragh 1m 4f ldy hcp gf in Jun.
