chased leaders in 3rd, pushed along before 4 out, moderate 5th and no extra 3 out, soon weakened
settled behind leaders in 4th, headway into 2nd approaching 3 out, ridden in 3rd after 2 out, soon no impression leaders, kept on one pace
held up, 5th halfway, 4th after 4 out, close up after 3 out, close 2nd 2 out, travelled well to lead entering straight, not extended
chased leader in 2nd, improved to lead after 4 out, ridden and headed after 2 out, soon no extra and weakened
led, headed after 4 out, weakened approaching next, pulled up before 2 out
held up, 6th halfway, headway into 3rd 3 out, close up before next, narrow lead after 2 out, ridden and headed entering straight, no extra and kept on same pace
always behind, niggled early to go pace, trailing and pushed along 3rd, pulled up before 4 out
Beau Michael had a very hard race when just lasting out over 2m4f at Punchestown on Wednesday and this shorter trip isn't certain to suit. Clar Na Mionn was also in action at the Festival but didn't run well and an earlier effort behind today's rival BYERLEY BABE gives him plenty to do. The winner is in outstanding form and though only scrambling home over 2m3f at Cork last time she was travelling very easily at today's trip and should gain her fourth success in her last six starts in a race where race conditions are in her favour. Top Madam is a big threat as she landed a Grade 3 at Down Royal in November and didn't have much of a chance on her reappearance at Grade 1 level a month ago.
Beau Michael 25-1 (11-7) Prominent and chased leader, 3rd halfway, improved to lead approaching 2 out, ridden before last, kept on well, strongly pressed close home and all out, won at Punchestown 2m 4f Conditional Handicap Hurdle (95-123) (4yo+) sft beating Hazariban (10-1) by nk, 25 ran.
Clar Na Mionn (IRE) 12-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, close 3rd 3 out, soon ridden, weakened from next, 6th of 10, 33l behind Rye Martini (11-12) at Punchestown 2m 4f hdl hvy.
Rocky Wednesday (IRE) 9-1 (11-6) Mid-division, ridden in moderate 6th 2 out, kept on one pace to 4th close home, 4th of 12, 10l behind Gates Of Rome (11-2) at Wexford 2m 4f hdl hvy in Mar.
Top Madam (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Led, ridden and strongly pressed 3 out, soon headed, dropped behind from 2 out, 4th of 6, well behind Annie Power (11-6) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f Mares Novice Hurdle (Grade 1) (4yo+) (1) sft in Mar.
Smokey Joe Joe (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) Prominent, on terms before 4th, led 5th, clear before 2 out, stayed on well, won at Cork 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 80-116 in Mar '11 beating Last Time D'albain (10-8) by 4l, 20 ran.
Byerley Babe (IRE) 2-1fav (11-0) Tracked leaders, 5th for much, 3rd before 2 out, challenged and on terms before last, soon narrowly in front and stayed on well run-in to narrowly prevail, won at Cork 2m 3f hcp hdl 0-140 in Mar beating De Dodger (10-1) by hd, 14 ran.
Shesonlyahorse (IRE) 11-2 (9-12) Towards rear, no extra from before 3 out (usual 4 out), 8th of 10, 27l behind Ard Agus Fada (10-4) at Navan 2m 1f hcp chs 0-109.
