soon led, asserted under 2f out and 3 lengths clear over 1f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, easily
tracked leaders, 4th halfway, pushed along early straight and no impression 2f out, soon no extra, weakened
always towards rear, never a factor, no impression 2f out, soon no extra, weakened
tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, pushed along to go 2nd 2f out, soon ridden and no impression on winner over 1f out, kept on one pace
broke well, tracked leader, 2nd halfway, pushed along entering straight and no impression in 3rd under 2f out, no extra, kept on one pace final furlong
Aidan O'Brien had eight of the original entries and relies on KENYA. A half-brother to five winners, he caught the eye in no uncertain terms behind stable companion Flag Of Honour at Naas last week and looks a smart prospect. Maze Runner made a promising start behind Nelson at Leopardstown and started a short-priced favourite at Limerick but couldn't match strides with South East though he may not have been suited by heavy ground. Stellar Eclipse was totally unfancied at Gowran in July but ran very well and is certain to improve as is Palace Guard for his run on the same track last month. Jim Bolger's New To Town had looked a certain future winner in her first couple of races though they were on fast going and she couldn't handle softer ground and Group 3 company at Naas last month.
Kenya (IRE) 12-1 (9-5) Towards rear, 8th 2f out, soon short of room and switched to outer, kept on under hands and heels final furlong, went 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 10, 5 1/2l behind Flag Of Honour (9-5) at Naas 7f mdn Yielding in Oct.
Maze Runner (IRE) 5-4fav (9-5) Slowly into stride, switched right after 1f and kept wide, towards rear, headway approaching straight, ridden in 2nd over 2f out, kept on under pressure 1f out, no impression on winner final 100 yards, 2nd of 10, 2 3/4l behind South East (9-5) at Listowel 1m mdn hvy in Sep.
Palace Guard (IRE) 9-1 (9-5) Soon raced in 5th, slightly impeded over 1f out, soon no extra, one pace, 5th of 9, 7 1/4l behind Family Tree (9-5) at Gowran Park 7f mdn hvy in Sep.
Stellar Eclipse (IRE) 25-1 (9-5) Towards rear, 9th halfway, progress to 6th 2f out, switched left and headway over 1f out, ridden in 4th 1f out, ran on without threatening, 4th of 13, 3 3/4l behind Masucci (9-5) at Gowran Park 7f mdn gd in Jul.
New To Town (IRE) 28-1 (9-0) Soon tracked leaders, 4th approaching straight and pushed along, lost place and no impressioon 2f out, no extra and eased inside final furlong, 8th of 9, 17 3/4l behind Ellthea (9-0) at Naas 7f Grp 3 fll stks (1) sft in Sep.
