chased leader in 2nd, ridden and disputed lead 2f out, led over 1f out, soon strongly pressed, headed and no extra near finish
led, ridden and joined 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
dwelt and held up in rear, ridden and progress into 8th on outer 2f out, no extra final furlong
mid-division on outer, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened
mid-division early, dropped to rear and pushed along 2 1/2f out, last when switched to outer and ridden 2f out, 9th on outer 1f out, stayed on strongly final furlong to lead near finish
chased leaders, ridden in 4th 2f out, 4th 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, disputed 3rd on line
chased leaders on inner, ridden in 6th 2f out, soon no extra
towards rear on inner, ridden in 9th 2f out, 8th 1f out, kept on without threatening final furlong
always prominent, ridden in close 3rd under 2f out, kept on final furlong, joined for 3rd on line
rear of mid-division early, dropped to rear and ridden 2f out, soon no impression, never a factor
chased leaders, ridden in 5th 2f out, no impression 1f out, checked briefly inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, soon weakened, never a factor
Oor Jock just failed in his hat-trick bid at Leopardstown on Thursday and could just be a few pounds high in the ratings but the consistent Have A Nice Day only went up 2lb for his recent victory over the course and distance and has to be respected. The three-year-old Kings Ryker looked very progressive at Roscommon but makes his handicap debut in a very tough event as does Whitey O'Gwaun, who hasn't run since October. Toccata Blue and In Salutem fought out the finish of a similar race at Gowran with Six Of Hearts close behind and there's nothing between the trio again. IRON MAJOR is always capable of winning a race such as this and is handed the vote. He's been finishing strongly in his races recently and a strong gallop here can play to his strengths.
Akasaka (IRE) 25-1 (8-8) Led, pushed along and went clear halfway, reduced advantage and strongly pressed 2f out, headed 1f out, weakened final furlong, 5th of 16, 4 1/2l behind Table Rock (9-3) at Curragh 1m hcp gf in Jun.
Toccata Blue (IRE) 7-2 (9-11) Soon led, ridden from 2f out, joined over 1f out and soon headed, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 4th of 11, 3 1/2l behind Flic Flac (9-9) at Leopardstown 7f hcp gf.
Six of Hearts 13-2 (9-4) Held up in rear, pushed along to go 5th over 1f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 4th of 6, 4l behind Burn The Boats (9-12) at Navan 1m hcp fm.
Whitey O' Gwaun (IRE) 15-8 (9-5) Soon tracked leaders, 4th approaching straight, no impression 2f out, kept on same pace, 4th of 15, 9l behind Buonarroti (9-5) at Tipperary 1m 1f 2yo mdn in Oct.
Hi Emperor (IRE) 12-1 (8-11) Held up towards rear, 14th 3f out, ridden in 10th 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 6th of 16, 5l behind Table Rock (9-3) at Curragh 1m hcp gf in Jun.
Indian Landing (IRE) 14-1 (9-10) Prominent early before settling in 3rd, short of room under 2f out and dropped to 6th 1f out, kept on same pace under hands and heels close home, 7th of 11, 5l behind Flic Flac (9-9) at Leopardstown 7f hcp gf.
Iron Major (IRE) 20-1 (8-10) Held up in rear, ridden and progress 2f out, 7th 1f out, no extra final furlong, 4th of 16, 3 1/2l behind Table Rock (9-3) at Curragh 1m hcp gf in Jun.
Kings Ryker (IRE) 9-4fav (9-5) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden in 2nd 2f out, improved to lead 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong, won at Roscommon 7f mdn stks gd beating Red All Star (9-10) by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
In Salutem 10-1 (9-11) Led, ridden and challenged 2f out, headed under 1f out, kept on same pace, no extra closing stages, 4th of 8, 1 3/4l behind Teocht (9-13) at Killarney 1m hcp gd.
Oor Jock (IRE) 4-1fav (9-12) Tracked leader in 3rd, progress into 2nd 2f out, ridden into lead over 1f out, headed close home, 2nd of 14, 3/4l behind The Dancing Lord (8-2) at Leopardstown 7f hcp gf.
Have A Nice Day 10-1 (8-10) Chased leaders on outer, ridden in 7th 2f out, headway into close 3rd on outer 1f out, stayed on strongly final furlong, led line, won at Curragh 7f hcp 50-85 gf in Jun beating Focussed (8-13) by ns, 16 ran.
Freedom Square (IRE) 8-1 (8-7) Always towards rear, ridden and no impression 2f out, eased inside final furlong, 14th of 15, 22l behind Lady Mega (8-6) at Curragh 5f hcp gf in May.
