made all, pushed out to assert before 2 out, clear run-in, easily
chased leader and disputed 2nd, 2nd 4 out, ridden 3 out, no impression 2 out, kept on same pace, just held 2nd close home
held up in last, 3rd after 4 out, ridden 2 out and no impression, kept on same pace, just held for 2nd close home
chased leader and disputed 2nd, ridden and weakened after 4 out, completely tailed off
After conceding weight all round to land a Sligo handicap, TOP MADAM is difficult to get away from in this conditions event, especially with her regular partner able to claim his 7lb. She should have too many guns for Kathleen Frances, though she ran well behind the prolific Busted Tycoon at Galway and is no forlorn hope to overturn the likely favourite. Only Exception had been going well on the Flat without winning before making a successful hurdling debut in a Ballinrobe maiden so there should be more to come from her but Little Alma looks outclassed.
Top Madam (IRE) 14-1 (11-3) Made virtually all, ridden 2 out, stayed on well under pressure from last, won at Sligo 2m 4f hcp hdl gs beating Rockyaboya (11-1) by 1/2l, 14 ran.
Kathleen Frances 18-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, ridden in 4th 2 out, kept on one paced, 4th of 10, 4l behind Busted Tycoon (11-9) at Galway 2m mrs hcp hdl.
Only Exception (IRE) 7-1 (10-10) Prominent on outer, 3rd halfway, improved to challenge after 2 out, narrow lead entering straight, ridden and kept on run-in to assert closing stages, won at Ballinrobe 2m mdn hdl gd in Jul beating Via Del Corso (11-7) by 1 1/4l, 13 ran.
Little Alma (IRE) 50-1 (10-9) Mid-division, no impression from 3 out, weakened, 13th of 16, 47l behind Gentleman Duke (11-12) at Sligo 2m mdn hdl gs.
