led, not fluent 3 out, pushed along early straight and headed before last, ridden and no impression run-in, dropped to 3rd closing stages
held up in rear, closer after 4 out and 4th after 2 out, pushed along and went 3rd before last, ridden and kept on run-in to go 2nd closing stages
towards rear, 4th halfway, closer after 4 out, pushed along after 2 out, soon ridden and no extra in rear early straight, weakened
chased leaders, 3rd halfway, closer after 4 out and not fluent next, pushed along entering straight and no impression in 4th approaching last, no extra
tracked leader, 2nd halfway, slight mistake 5th, travelled well after 2 out, pushed along to lead approaching last, ridden and soon asserted run-in, kept on well
This looks one for the champion trainer. The mare ECHOES IN RAIN is facing this sort of ground for the first time but looks certain to be suited and her easy victory over Belfast Banter in a Naas Grade 2 could hardly have been better boosted. She was also impressive at the same level at Fairyhouse, when Colonel Mustard was well beaten, and the 7lb she receives from Blue Lord could be decisive. He's been unfortunate to come up against Appreciate It and Bob Olinger in recent starts and has performed like a class horse so should give the selection a race. The lightly-raced Uhtred, unbeaten in two bumpers, will appreciate the better ground while Dewcup has a cracking record around here.
Blue Lord (FR) 11-1 (11-7) Held up on inside, travelled strongly, tracking leaders from 4 out, went 2nd after 2 out, no chance with winner but clear 2nd when fell last, at Cheltenham 2m (1) sft in Mar.
Colonel Mustard (FR) 25-1 (11-6) Held up towards rear on outer, 6th halfway, progress after 3 out, pushed along and on terms when slight mistake next, soon headed and no impression, ridden in 3rd when mistake last, kept on one pace, 3rd of 9, 19 1/2l behind Echoes In Rain (11-5) at Fairyhouse 2m (1) Yielding in Apr.
Dewcup (IRE) 9-4fav (9-9) Chased leaders, 8th before halfway, pushed along before straight, soon no impression, ran on without threatening final furlong, 6th of 16, 5 1/4l behind Fil The Power (9-9) at Gowran Park 1m 2f mdn sft in Apr.
Uhtred (IRE) 5-1 (11-7) Settled behind leaders, 3rd halfway, slight mistake 3 out, ridden in rear after 2 out, under pressure in 4th before last, kept on same pace, 4th of 5, 10 1/2l behind Thedevilscoachman (11-13) at Punchestown 2m 1f lst (1) sft in Feb.
Echoes In Rain (FR) 2-1jfav (11-5) Held up towards rear, a little keen, 7th halfway, travelling well in close 5th approaching 2 out, challenged between horses approaching last, soon led and quickly clear, kept on well, easily, won at Fairyhouse 2m (1) Yielding in Apr beating M C Muldoon (11-6) by 15l, 9 ran.
