Bit Of Banter looked a certain future winner when a close third in a Leopardstown handicap but that was on fast ground and she then ran poorly in a Galway handicap on going with plenty of give. Tonight's conditions could hand the initiative to stable companion Timetoget, who has been going very well over hurdles, scoring at Punchestown before a very good run at Galway. However, Aidan O'Brien runs FIGHTFORTHEROSES, a close relative of the Derby winner Pour Moi and several other winners. She showed nothing in two runs last summer but it could be a different matter here. Flamma Clarus is another nicely-bred filly who is one to note on her debut.
Calgath (IRE) 8-1 (9-5) Raced in 7th early, effort approaching straight, no extra 3f out, soon eased, completely tailed off, last of 11, dist behind Art Of Security (9-11) at Navan 1m 5f mdn hvy in Oct.
Earl Of Bunnacurry (IRE) 66-1 (11-12) In rear, some modest late progress from 3f out, never a factor, 9th of 17, 28 1/2l behind Diamond Hill (11-7) at Galway 1m 4f mdn sft in Aug.
Recommendation 100-1 (9-12) Slowly into stride, always towards rear, never a factor, pushed along and no impression approaching straight, kept on one pace final furlong, 13th of 18, 18 1/4l behind Astronomer (9-5) at Galway 1m mdn Yielding - Soft in Aug.
Little Princess (GER) 50-1 (9-2) Chased leader in 2nd before improving to dispute lead after 3f, pushed along and headed from 3f out, ridden and dropped to 5th from 2f out, no impression over 1f out and kept on again into 4th inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 11 1/4l behind Holding Pattern (9-2) at Ballinrobe 1m 5f mdn Yielding in Jul.
Timetoget (IRE) 9-1 (11-3) Tracked leaders, headway on inner to dispute lead before 2 out, led 2 out, soon ridden clear, strongly pressed at last, headed inside final furlong, soon no extra and dropped to 4th close home, 4th of 20, 7 1/4l behind Rovetta (9-12) at Galway 2m hcp Yielding - Soft in Aug.
Fightfortheroses (IRE) 4-1 (9-5) Mid-division, pushed along entering straight, ridden and no impression in 5th over 1f out, kept on one pace inside final furlong, 5th of 10, 10 3/4l behind Whirling Dervish (9-5) at Tipperary 1m 1f mdn hvy in Oct.
Bit Of Banter (IRE) 6-1 (9-0) Soon mid-division, no extra from before straight, 12th of 15, 27 3/4l behind Baba Boom (9-3) at Galway 1m 4f hcp Yielding in Jul.
Flamma Clarus (IRE) Teofilo filly out of Tiz The Whiz.
