raced in 3rd, slightly slow 2nd, not fluent 5 out, not fluent 3 out and dropped to rear, soon pushed along and no impression, kept on again into 3rd run-in
raced in 2nd, not fluent jumping, closer order 4 out, under pressure before 2 out, soon every chance, pecked after last, kept on well run-in, not quite match winner
raced in rear, took keen hold, not fluent 4th, went moderate 3rd from 3 out, soon no impression, dropped to last again run-in and soon eased
made all, slight mistake 5 out, pressed 2 out, stayed on well run-in, all out
Although Here For The Craic is the only last-time winner the race conditions aren't in his favour as he was receiving 5lb from Paddy The Celeb when beaten nine lengths by him at Killarney last August. The winner hasn't really fired subsequently and is also penalised while the lightly-raced Just For Joe hasn't run since last March. Johnny McGeeney had a break of almost three years before reappearing in May so this could rest between Star Of Aragon, who was competing in strong handicaps in the spring, and PRIMROSEANDBLUE. The latter gets the vote though his most recent runs don't offer too much encouragement and he could prove vulnerable at a short price.
Here For The Craic (IRE) 5-2 (11-12) Always prominent, on terms 3 out, led before straight, soon asserted, stayed on well run-in, won at Kilbeggan 2m mdn hdl gd in Jun beating Spot Fine (11-4) by 4l, 14 ran.
Paddy The Celeb (IRE) 22-1 (11-0) Soon mid-division, mistake 4th, closer in 5th approaching straight, no extra and kept on same pace approaching last, 7th of 18, 10l behind Desertmore Stream (11-1) at Punchestown 2m hcp hdl in Jun.
Johnny McGeeney (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) In rear, slight mistake 6th, no extra from 3 out, last of 6, 27l behind Darwins Fox (11-0) at Killarney 2m 4f hdl in May.
Primroseandblue (IRE) 66-1 (10-7) Mid-division, weakened to rear 3 out, 21st of 24, well behind Gilgamboa (10-9) at Leopardstown 2m hcap hdle sft in Jan.
Just For Joe (IRE) 16-1 (11-7) Prominent, lost place approaching straight, soon no extra, tailed off, 10th of 14, well behind Byerley Babe (11-0) at Cork 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-140 in Mar '13.
Star Of Aragon (IRE) 20-1 (9-11) Tracked leaders on outer, 6th when mistake and unseated rider 3 out, in a race won by Cool Macavity (10-7) at Punchestown 2m hcp hdl gd in Apr, 18 ran.
