held up, closed 5f out, soon went 3rd, ridden over 2f out, stayed on same pace
tracked leader, led 2f out, pushed clear and edged left over 1f out, stayed on well
led, headed 2f out, not pace of winner, stayed on inside final furlong
chased leaders, outpaced over 3f out, soon weakened
Before Midnight is by top NH sire Midnight Legend out of a staying hurdler so is respected, though may need hurdles before showing his true potential. Three of these have point-to-point experience with BURNS CROSS, bought for 75,000 euros after winning a maiden at Largy last April, possibly the most interesting. He’s a full brother to a winning hurdler and should have the pace to cope. Locker Room Talk is a half-brother to bumper and hurdles winner Carnspindle so is also worth a market check while Oscar gelding Upsettheodds represents the in-form McCain stable.
Alderson Zamindar gelding out of Claradotnet.
Before Midnight Midnight Legend gelding out of Lady Samantha.
Burns Cross (IRE) 11-4 (12-2) Pr early, 3rd 1/2way, mstk 4out, prog to ld from 2out, jnd at last, kow in str, easily, won at Largy 3m mdn gd in Apr beating Back To Bataan (12-2) by 4l, 11 ran.
Upsettheodds (IRE) 2-1 (12-2) Chsd ldrs, 3rd 1/2way, went 2nd 4out, eff to jn ldr 2out, wo sn aftr, 2l adv last, ko best to line, won at Tinahely 3m mdn in Nov beating Pelegrine Falcon (11-11) by 4l, 6 ran.
Locker Room Talk (IRE) 8-1 (11-11) Rr, prog running free frm 4th, ld frm 5th, 12l adv 1/2way, hdd bef 2out, 4l 2nd & no ch with wnr last, so flat, 2nd of 13, 5l behind Stay Humble (11-11) at Ballynoe 3m mdn gs in Apr.
