mid-division, ridden 4f out, soon weakened
led, headed and ridden 3f out, soon weakened quickly
chased leaders, 2nd 3f out, soon ridden, weakened from 1 1/2f out
chased leaders, 4th on inner 3f out, soon ridden, dropped to 7th 2f out, kept on without threatening to go 3rd close home
always towards rear, ridden and no impression from 3f out, never a factor
slowly into stride, held up towards rear, ridden and some progress from 3f out, 6th 2f out, soon no impression
chased leaders, 6th 3f out, soon ridden, 4th under 2f out, went 2nd over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, strongly pressed winner to line, just failed
mid-division, closer in 3rd 3f out, soon ridden, 2nd 2f out, no extra over 1f out
chased leader in 2nd, improved to lead 3f out, ridden clear 1 1/2f out, strongly pressed inside final furlong, kept on, all out
Most of these would be better off with hurdles to jump including Benash, though his form on the Flat is equal to anything his rivals have produced. He hasn't been seen since November so could just need the run and DANCINGWITHANGELS is taken to get off the mark at last. She's now had a total of 25 runs without winning but has gone well recently and as long as the going doesn't firm up she can gain that elusive first success. Fire Belt started his career with five second places in his first six bumper starts and has a novice hurdle victory to his credit. He's having his first start since January so may lack sharpness and High Stratos could be a better alternative as he won a bumper in May, his second success in that sphere in four runs. Honkytonktennessee also has a bumper victory to his credit and Joseph O'Brien is an interesting booking while What Lies Ahead would come into the reckoning if the ground eases as her lone success came on heavy ground at Punchestown.
Balboni (IRE) 16-1 (11-7) Mid-division, ridden and dropped towards rear over 3f out, soon no impression, 8th of 9, 20l behind Totally Dominant (12-0) at Bellewstown 2m 1f NH flat gf.
Benash (IRE) 7-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, moderate 5th 5f out, no impression under pressure from over 2f out, moderate 6th and kept on same pace from before straight, 6th of 13, 9l behind Mireya (10-2) at Galway 1m 6f am stks (4yo+) hvy in Oct.
Fire Belt (IRE) 16-1 (10-0) Chased leaders, led briefly over 3f out, soon ridden, headed 2 1/2f out, kept on same pace from over 1f out, 3rd of 12, 4 1/2l behind Orgilgo Bay (9-5) at Ballinrobe 1m 6f mdn stks in Aug.
High Stratos 10-3 (11-12) Soon mid-division, moderate 9th and no impression from before straight, kept on one pace, 10th of 24, 31l behind Fourni (11-5) at Punchestown 2m mdn hdl gd in May.
Honkytonktennessee (IRE) 15-2 (12-0) Held up, closed 5f out, 5th approaching straight where raced wide, no impression from 3f out, one pace, 5th of 10, 22l behind Macbride (11-7) at Cork 2m 3f NH flat gf.
Bridgequarter Girl (IRE) 9-1 (11-5) Held up towards rear, progress into 7th 3 out, ridden into 4th after 2 out, no impression in 3rd before straight, kept on same pace, lost 3rd close home, 4th of 13, 14l behind Fethard Player (11-0) at Ballinrobe 2m 4f cond hcp hdl gd in Jun.
Dancingwithangels (IRE) 10-1 (9-2) Chased leaders, ridden in 5th entering straight, soon no impression, 6th of 8, 7l behind Ashjar (9-7) at Roscommon 1m 2f mdn stks gd.
La Jument Grise (IRE) 66-1 (9-13) Raced in 5th, pushed along 6f out and ridden from over 4f out, improved into moderate 4th under 2f out, no impression and kept on same pace from over 1f out, 4th of 6, 21l behind Leliani (9-5) at Dundalk 1m 4f mdn stks pol.
What Lies Ahead (IRE) 10-1 (9-2) Raced mainly in 4th, improved in 3rd 4f out, ridden 2f out and no impression from 1f out, 5th of 6, 7l behind Gambling Girl (9-2) at Leopardstown 1m 6f mdn stks gf.
