soon close up in 2nd, pushed along before straight, lost position under 2f out, 4th and one pace from over 1f out
soon narrow leader, pressed straight, joined over 1f out, soon headed and one pace in 3rd
in rear, took closer order after halfway, 4th over 4f out, prominent on outer into straight, challenged 2f out, on terms over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, kept on without matching winner
soon raced in 3rd, travelling smoothly into straight, challenged and on terms over 1f out, led inside final furlong, stayed on best
soon raced in 4th, dropped to last over 4f out, brushed off rail approaching straight, soon one pace
Chess Grand Master has no problems with the trip and is just 4lb higher than when completing a double at Dundalk. RASHAAN was 11 lengths behind him in the latter race but this is his track and trip having won this for the past two seasons. He ran well in a Grade 3 hurdle at Gowran in February and can complete a hat-trick in the race. Waterville Dancer scored over 2m2f at Down Royal on his final start in September and his trainer has no problems getting one ready. Prospectus wins his share of races though prefers testing conditions so wouldn't want the ground to dry out while the former Ballydoyle inmate World Stage hasn't shown much in two starts for new connections.
Rashaan (IRE) 14-1 (11-1) 3rd of 7, 18 1/2l behind Darasso (11-1) at Gowran Park 2m (1) Yielding in Feb.
Chess Grand Master 7-2jfav (9-12) 8th of 11, 5 1/2l behind Sheisdiesel (9-2) at Dundalk 1m 4f hcp pol in Mar.
Waterville Dancer (IRE) 4-1fav (9-9) won at Down Royal 2m 2f hcp gd in Sep beating Neverushacon (9-3) by hd, 13 ran.
Prospectus 14-1 (11-10) 11th of 12, 25 1/2l behind Ejayteekay (10-6) at Navan 2m hcp sft in Mar.
World Stage (IRE) 16-1 (11-12) 6th of 18, 25 1/4l behind Breaken (11-12) at Limerick 2m mdn gd in Mar.
