tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, pushed along and bumped rival under 2f out, some progress on inner into 2nd over 1f out, ridden and no impression on winner inside final furlong
ran 6th, some progress on outer early straight, ridden and no impression in 4th over 1f out, kept on one pace
led, pushed along and headed 2f out, soon bumped by rival, ridden and no impression in 3rd over 1f out, no extra
tracked leaders, pushed along in 5th halfway, soon eased and pulled up approaching straight
mid-division, 4th halfway, pushed along and dropped to 6th over 2f out, ridden and no impression in 5th over 1f out, kept on one pace
towards rear, progress on outer approaching straight, headway to lead 2f out, ridden to assert and 3 lengths clear 1f out, stayed on well, easily
pushed along early and tracked leader in 2nd, pushed along again approaching straight, ridden and no extra under 2f out, weakened, eased final furlong
in rear, detached approaching straight, pushed along and no impression 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong, never a factor
Birthplace hasn’t won since landing last year’s renewal and remains 3lb higher. Stable companion LIGETI (NAP) is preferred given he recorded a double at Dundalk in February and has gone close in all three subsequent starts. Beechmount Whisper has been placed over hurdles since winning over 7f at Leopardstown last month but is 7lb higher while Cork winner Elm Grove failed to cope with a 5lb rise last time and Sharjah was raised 9lb for an earlier success at Dundalk. Ruler Of France is not badly treated on his return, however, and Pat Smullen’s presence in the saddle takes the eye.
Beechmount Whisper (IRE) 14-1 (11-4) Held up towards rear, progress into mid-division before 4 out, improved into close 4th 2 out, soon challenged, ridden to lead before last, pressed last, headed closing stages of run-in and no extra, 2nd of 22, 1 1/4l behind Fridaynightlights (9-13) at Fairyhouse 2m hcp Good - Yielding in Apr.
Cash In Mind (FR) 33-1 (9-9) Always towards rear, ridden 3f out, no impression 2f out, last of 8, 6 1/2l behind Tandem (9-5) at Tipperary 1m 4f gd in Apr.
Ruler Of France 12-1 (9-8) Raced in 4th early, 6th approaching straight, soon one pace, 8th of 15, 9 1/2l behind Total Demolition (8-7) at Galway 1m hcp Yielding - Soft in Jul.
Birthplace (IRE) 20-1 (8-13) Broke well to lead, soon 2nd, 3rd after 2f, 4th 3f out, ridden over 2f out, drifted right and bumped rival over 1f out, kept on same pace, dropped to 5th close home, 5th of 12, 2 1/2l behind Ringside Humour (9-11) at Dundalk 1m 4f hcp pol in Apr.
Secret Wizard (IRE) 14-1 (8-10) Chased leaders early, pushed along in mid-division halfway, ridden and no impression straight, 6th of 9, 5 1/2l behind Geological (8-8) at Dundalk 1m hcp pol in Jan.
Elm Grove (IRE) 3-1jfav (10-1) Dwelt, towards rear and took keen hold early, closer in 14th 3f out, progress on outer entering straight, pushed along in 8th 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, never nearer, 4th of 20, 3/4l behind Ace Of Diamonds (9-12) at Leopardstown 1m 2f hcp sft in Apr.
Sharjah (IRE) 10-1 (9-1) Soon led, 2 lengths clear halfway, reduced advantage 4f out, under pressure and headed over 2f out, ridden 2f out, 3rd under 1f out, kept on same pace, 3rd of 6, 2 1/2l behind Bay Hill (8-4) at Limerick 1m 4f hcp gf in Apr.
Ligeti (IRE) 3-1fav (8-8) Towards rear, 10th halfway, ridden and good headway to 2nd 1 1/2f out, kept on well final furlong to press leader, not match winner close home, 2nd of 12, nk behind Ringside Humour (9-11) at Dundalk 1m 4f hcp pol in Apr.
