held up in touch, headway 8th, effort and every chance 3 out, ridden next, one pace, no impression approaching last
tracked leader, led 4 out, jumped big and hard pressed next, clear when went right last, pushed out flat
in touch, outpaced 4 out, ridden and kept on same pace from next, no impression
tracked leaders, lost place and behind 7th, weakened 4 out
led, headed 4 out, weakened next
Carrick Dhu is marginally preferred to Cardinal Spirit and Polly Whitefoot. The selection appeared a likely winner when tried here in April but ran out with three hurdles to take. Granted, we'll never know whether he would have won or not - but today's race has cut up badly and he won't get too many easier chances than this to atone. Cardinal Spirit was never sighted at the Punchestown festival. He acts on this surface and does stay albeit at one pace. Polly Whitefoot failed to land a gamble at Newcastle and is exposed as being very ordinary indeed. Aga Khan castoff Saraban has shown no ability thus far under rules. Waterski was sent off at big odds at the last meeting and a similar scenario appears likely on this occasion. An uninspiring opener and we are with Carrick Dhu.
Cardinal Spirit 9-1 (11-0) Towards rear for most, never a factor, 23rd of 25, well behind Hidden Agent (10-11) at Punchestown 3m hcp hdl 0-130 gd in Apr.
Carrick Dhu (IRE) 9-4fav (10-7) Raced keenly, led until ran out 3 out in race won by Solway Bee (10-2) at Perth 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) gd in Apr, 14 ran.
Polly Whitefoot 9-2jt-fav (10-8) Held up, outpaced 3 out, never on terms, 5th of 11, 17l behind Bonnie Rock (11-2) at Newcastle 2m 6f cnd hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Mar.
Saraban (IRE) 50-1 (11-5) Chased leaders early, 8th halfway, no extra from 3 out, tailed off, 13th of 16, well behind Prudent Honour (11-9) at Fairyhouse 2m mdn hdl hvy in Feb.
Waterski 100-1 (10-5) With leader, led 4th, headed 3 out, weakened next, 12th of 15, well behind The Great Alfie (10-11) at Perth 3m nov hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gd in Apr.
