soon in rear, pushed along into straight, kept on same pace from under 2f out
dwelt, soon raced in 2nd, pushed along 2f out, ridden and kept on well without getting to winner closing stages
soon raced in 3rd, pushed along on outer from early straight, ridden and edged slightly left 1 1/2f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong
soon led, pushed along 2f out, went on 1 1/2f out, reduced lead and kept on well closing stages
Colfer Me won a nursery in September and a Dundalk handicap in January and was racing in better company in the spring. He's 9lb higher than his last winning mark while stable companion Cosmic Horizon has struggled since landing a Roscommon maiden though the handicapper has given him a chance with a 4lb drop in the ratings. Giga White landed a Gowran maiden in August and made a very encouraging return to action at Naas but didn't kick on as expected at the Curragh last month so this can go to BALEFIRE. Michael Halford's Godolphin colt won a Cork maiden over this trip and has run very well in subsequent handicaps here and at Tipperary.
Colfer Me (IRE) 8-1 (9-8) Prominent, disputed lead soon after 1f, narrowly headed approaching straight, soon on terms again, headed 1 1/2f out, no extra final furlong, 11th of 16, 16 1/4l behind Never No More (9-7) at Naas 7f hcp Yielding - Soft in Mar.
Cosmic Horizon (IRE) 9-4 (9-4) Settled 3rd, switched left and ridden 1 1/2f out, no impression on leader, ran on final furlong to 2nd close home, not trouble winner, 2nd of 3, 3l behind Klute (9-4) at Fairyhouse 7f gf in May.
Giga White (IRE) 10-3fav (9-4) Tracked leaders, 2nd halfway, headway to challenge over 2f out, ridden over 1f out and no extra final 150 yards, 8th of 12, 2 1/2l behind Baladiya (8-4) at Curragh 7f hcp gd in Jun.
Balefire (IRE) 5-1 (8-11) Soon led, headed after 1f and raced in 2nd, pushed along into straight, kept on same pace from over 1f out, 2nd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Killourney (9-1) at Tipperary 1m 1f hcp Yielding in Jun.
