FIRE LILY and After appear to be the two to concentrate on and there's no obvious reason why the former shouldn't confirm last month's Leopardstown form in a similar contest when she had her rival three-quarters of a length behind. David Wachman's filly was value for more than that margin as she hit the front too soon so today's longer trip shouldn't be a concern and she's only 2lb worse off. After has competed at a very high level since her maiden victory at the Curragh a year ago and can be relied on to run her usual sound race. Marvada has had numerous attempts at Listed and Group 3 level but never managed to win one though she came very close when runner-up to Alanza at Leopardstown when Singing Bird was 4l back in fourth. The lightly-raced Bulbul has a bit to find but is no forlorn hope in a race where tactics may play a part.
Marvada (IRE) 10-1 (9-6) Attempted to make all, ridden 1 1/2f out, headed under 1f out, kept on well final furlong, 2nd of 6, nk behind Alanza (9-9) at Leopardstown 7f Grp 3 (1) sft in Jun.
Fire Lily (IRE) 9-4fav (9-2) Chased leaders, close 2nd on inner 2f out, ridden to lead 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, won at Leopardstown 6f flls Group 3 stks (1) sft in Jun beating After (8-13) by 3/4l, 9 ran.
After (IRE) 6-1 (8-13) Mid-division, 6th halfway, improved into close 4th and ridden 2f out, went 2nd final furlong, stayed on well close home, 2nd of 9, 3/4l behind Fire Lily (9-2) at Leopardstown 6f flls Group 3 stks (1) sft in Jun.
Bulbul (IRE) 20-1 (8-11) Tracked leaders on rail, 4th halfway, no extra from over 1f out, 7th of 11, 3 1/2l behind Tiddliwinks (10-0) at Curragh 6f Grp 3 (1) gd in May.
Singing Bird 10-1 (8-10) Settled in last, ridden entering straight, went moderate 4th 1f out, kept on final furlong, 4th of 6, 4 1/2l behind Alanza (9-9) at Leopardstown 7f Grp 3 (1) sft in Jun.
