led, mistake 3 out, headed into straight, soon no impression and kept on same pace
raced in 3rd, 2nd after 2 out, led straight, clear last, stayed on well, easily
raced last of the 4, 3rd after 2 out, soon no impression under pressure, kept on same pace
raced in 2nd, dropped to last after 2 out, soon no extra
Latin Connection gained his first success in 16 starts over hurdles when sent over 2m7f at Downpatrick but this is very much tougher. Ninth Legion beat a moderate bunch in a canter at Wexford but wouldn't want any more rain as he loves fast ground. Caribbean Sea has run poorly on the Flat since scrambling home on fast going at Kilbeggan but Some Say is a very nice staying prospect as she showed at Sligo and any further rain would greatly aid her chances. SICILIAN SECRET has delivered rather less than he has promised and has been beaten when a short-priced favourite on numerous occasions but there's no doubting his talent and this first attempt over the trip could be the making of him.
Ninth Legion (IRE) 2-1 (11-4) Tracked leader, on terms approaching 3 out, soon led and clear approaching next, stayed on well, won at Wexford 2m 4f mdn hdl gd beating Winston Churchill (11-4) by 15l, 16 ran.
Sicilian Secret (IRE) 10-3 (11-12) Chased leaders, moderate 3rd halfway, ridden in 4th after 2 out, soon no extra, 7th of 15, 31l behind Kid Cassidy (11-12) at Punchestown 2m nov hdl gd in May.
Some Say (IRE) 7-2 (10-13) Mid-division, closer in 4th approaching 2 out, led on inner before straight, stayed on well run-in, won at Sligo 2m 2f mdn hdl gd beating Cinderella Story (10-10) by 2l, 16 ran.
Caribbean Sea 25-1 (11-2) Disputed early, soon chased leaders, 3rd halfway, improved to challenge after 4 out, ridden to lead approaching 3 out, kept on under pressure, strong pressed run-in, all out, won at Kilbeggan 2m 3f 4yo mdn hdl gf in Apr beating Akatara (10-11) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
Latin Connection (IRE) 9-4fav (11-4) Settled in rear of mid-division, 7th on inner 3 out, smooth headway to lead before next, jumped out left at final 2 hurdles, ridden and kept on well run-in to draw clear, won at Downpatrick 2m 7f mdn hdl gd beating Budtairis (11-4) by 8l, 15 ran.
