tracked leaders, 4th halfway, ridden over 2f out and went 2nd over 1f out, no impression on winner, kept on one pace
led early, tracked leader and 2nd halfway, pushed along early straight, ridden 2f out and dropped to 4th over 1f out, no extra
always towards rear, never a factor, pushed along 4f out, ridden and no impression under 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, pushed along early straight, ridden and no impression in 5th 1 1/2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
soon led, 1 length lead halfway, pushed along early straight, ridden and asserted over 1f out, kept on well, comfortably
mid-division, 5th halfway, ridden and some headway under 2f out, 3rd over 1f out, no impression inside final furlong, kept on one pace
towards rear, 6th halfway, pushed along entering straight and ridden 2f out, not clear run from over 1f out, kept on well between horses inside final 100 yards
TAIPAN hasn't won since his debut in November 2020 but he's now rated 100 after just failing to concede 18lb to Burren Song at Tipperary. Hms Seahorse landed a premier handicap at the Curragh last summer and has been in winning form over timber during the winter though the 5lb he concedes to the selection may prove beyond him. Spasiba landed a soft-ground maiden at Roscommon but disappointed on quicker going here next time so could do with more rain. Ted Hastings completed a four-timer on the Flat and over timber last summer and can't be discounted despite having ground to make up on official ratings.
Hms Seahorse (IRE) 13-2 (11-3) Tracked leaders on outer, 2nd halfway, pushed along and dropped to 4th 2 out, no impression approaching last, no extra run-in, 4th of 6, 14l behind Asterion Forlonge (11-3) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f (1) Yielding - Soft in Apr.
Spasiba (FR) 11-8fav (9-10) Prominent early before soon settling behind leaders, pushed along in 3rd from 3f out and soon ridden, no impression on principals from 1f out and kept on same pace inside final furlong, 3rd of 5, 2 1/2l behind Shark Bay (9-10) at Killarney 1m 3f gd in Jul.
Ted Hastings (IRE) 10-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, moderate 8th halfway, 3rd and pushed along approaching straight, no impression from 2 out and 5th before last, no extra, 6th of 20, 27 1/4l behind Kilbree Warrior (10-12) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f hcp Yielding in Apr.
Female Soldier (IRE) 33-1 (8-12) Mid-division, closer in 5th halfway, pushed along in 4th on outer from 3f out, ridden and weakened from 2f out, 13th of 16, 19 1/2l behind Duke De Sessa (9-8) at Naas 1m 4f lst stks (1) hvy in Nov.
Taipan (FR) 4-1 (10-1) Tracked leader, 2nd halfway, ridden 3f out, stayed on to lead 2f out, strongly pressed inside final furlong, headed close home, 2nd of 10, nk behind Burren Song (8-11) at Tipperary 1m 4f hcp Yielding in Apr.
Impero (IRE) 16-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders, took keen hold, 6th halfway, pushed along in 6th after 2 out, ridden and no extra before last, 10th of 20, 18 3/4l behind Sir Allen (11-0) at Punchestown 2m mdn Soft - Heavy in Dec.
Venice Biennale (IRE) 22-1 (9-9) Mid-division, ridden in 7th over 2f out, no impression, 6th of 14, 7 1/4l behind Indian Wish (9-9) at Gowran Park 1m 1f fll stks (1) Yielding in May.
