mid-division, 7th halfway, headway into 4th 3f out, ridden to lead under 2f out, headed 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, kept on same pace
held up towards rear, ridden into 5th and no impression 1 1/2f out, kept on one pace
chased leader in 2nd, ridden to lead briefly 2f out, soon headed, under pressure in 3rd 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden in 5th 2f out, under pressure in 4th 1 1/2f out, kept on same pace
chased leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden and no extra 3f out, 7th 2f out, kept on one pace
held up in rear, headway in 6th 2f out, ridden into 3rd 1 1/2f out, led 1f out, kept on well final furlong
mid-division, 6th halfway, headway into 4th 4f out, ridden to challenge 2f out, soon no extra
settled behind leaders, 5th halfway, ridden and no extra entering straight, weakened
It's very rare for Aidan O'Brien to have a runner in a bumper and he saddles two in this. The market should prove the best guide but it's the Galileo offspring EGYPTIAN WARRIOR who really catches the eye as he's a full-brother to the Racing Post Trophy winner Kingsbarns and related to several other winners. He has a provisional entry in the Champion Bumper at Cheltenham unlike stablemate Shield, a son of Dylan Thomas, who may need more time. Guns And Malt has a much more traditional pedigree for these races being out of a dual bumper winner while the France-bred Ange Balafre will no doubt be seen over timber in the not too distant future. Derek O'Connor's presence on Yes Sir Brian will ensure his mount gets the best possible ride.
Ange Balafre (FR) Ange Gabriel gelding out of Balafre Rose.
Cliffside Park (IRE) Chevalier gelding out of Lady Toulon.
Egyptian Warrior (IRE) Galileo gelding out of Beltisaal.
Guns And Malt (IRE) Kalanisi gelding out of Brenny's Pearl.
Shield (IRE) Dylan Thomas gelding out of American Queen.
Spa Hill (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Mid-division, progress into 2nd 3f out, soon ridden and weakened, 6th of 14, 26l behind Le Vent D'antan (11-4) at Leopardstown 2m 4yo nhf hvy in Jan.
Yes Sir Brian (IRE) Brian Boru gelding out of Ochto Lass.
Carnivan Bay (IRE) Gulland filly out of Dollar Bay.
Gurteen Flyer (IRE) Westerner filly out of Shuil Bob.
