led, pushed along 2 1/2f out, strongly pressed 2f out, soon joined, headed over 1f out, no impression and one pace final furlong
raced in 2nd, challenged travelling smoothly 2f out, soon on terms, led over 1f out, stayed on well inside final furlong
slowly into stride, took keen hold in rear, pushed along over 2f out, soon no impression, one pace
Willie Mullins won this with Blackstairmountain in 2012 and looks determined to take it again with two entries. LUCKY BRIDLE may prove the best of the pair as he's been competing at a much higher level and the promising David Mullins' 7lb claim is a bonus. Katie Walsh rides the other Mullins entry, Shamar, and her mount was carrying a huge weight when failing to cope with Blue Ridge Lane at Tramore recently. Orgilgo Bay has been in good form over hurdles since finishing second behind El Salvador here last month while the winner's trainer and jockey combination are represented by the consistent Marchese Marconi, who has been in excellent form but would probably prefer a longer trip.
Orgilgo Bay (IRE) 9-2 (10-12) Led, attempted to assert 3f out, pressed and headed 1f out, soon one pace, 2nd of 6, 3l behind El Salvador (10-12) at Bellewstown 1m 4f am stks (4yo+) gd in Jul.
Lucky Bridle (IRE) 16-1 (9-12) Held up in touch in rear, ridden in moderate 5th entering straight, soon no impression, 5th of 8, 14l behind Timiyan (8-11) at Gowran Park 1m 4f hcp.
Shamar (FR) Evensfav (10-0) Tracked leader in 2nd, ridden 1f out and no impression inside final furlong, 2nd of 4, 2 1/2l behind Blue Ridge Lane (8-11) at Tramore 1m 4f hcp gd.
Gretzky 9-2 (9-7) Mid-division, ridden in 6th entering straight, improved into 2nd over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 8, 1 3/4l behind Tooreen Legend (9-1) at Dundalk 1m 4f hcap pol in Mar.
Marchese Marconi (IRE) 2-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, 3rd entering straight, soon ridden, 2nd 2f out, kept on same pace in 2nd final furlong, just held 2nd at line, 2nd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Digeanta (11-7) at Killarney 2m 1f am stks (4yo+) gd.
