ON THE VERGE was well supported to make a winning debut at Down Royal in August but slipped up when in contention. He can gain compensation here though Expanding Universe made a promising start at Leopardstown's Christmas fixture and, with his stable in form, shouldn't lack fitness. Stage King has connections who know the time of day with Mikey O'Connor taking over the reigns this time after a decent start at Listowel while Globalized showed plenty of potential in his two starts at this time last year and is one to keep an eye on.
Expanding Universe (IRE) 9-2 (11-10) Chased leaders, 6th halfway, headway into 3rd 3f out, ridden entering straight, no extra over 1f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 11, 9l behind Ballycasey (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m 4f N H flat in Dec.
Globalized (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) Mid-division, 10th halfway, no impression approaching 2 out, 9th of 25, 38l behind Formidableopponent (11-9) at Navan 2m mdn hdl sft in Nov.
On The Verge (IRE) 11-10fav (12-0) Soon prominent, left in front from 7f out, headed over 2f out, soon no impression under pressure and slipped up, in a race won by Railway Icon (11-7) at Down Royal 2m N H flat gs in Aug, 17 ran.
Stage King 16-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, 4th before straight, kept on same pace under pressure from under 2f out, 4th of 15, 6l behind Minella Reception (11-9) at Listowel 2m N H flat sft in Sep.
Tikkin Along (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, 6th halfway, weakened 6f out, 12th of 14, 47l behind Mount Colah (11-7) at Down Royal 2m N H flat hvy in Dec.
Honourable Lady (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Chased leaders, 9th halfway, no extra entering straight, weakened, 16th of 23, 36l behind Glens Melody (10-13) at Punchestown 2m 1f mares n h flat hvy in Apr.
Derrylea Girl (IRE) 10-1 (10-7) Waited with towards rear, headway under 3f out, ridden in pursuit of winner from 1f out, soon no impression and kept on, 2nd of 10, 2l behind Cullentry Royal (11-7) at Sligo 2m 2f 4yo nhf gd in May.
Ellaway Rose (IRE) 12-1 (10-2) Towards rear, dropped behind from 4 out, pulled up before 2 out, lame, in a race won by Rising Time (10-11) at Listowel 2m mares nov hdl hvy in Sep, 7 ran.
