chased clear leader, closer in 2nd halfway, pushed along and led 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on one pace, no impression on winner final 100 yards
in rear, closer halfway, pushed along and no impression under 4f out, some headway on outer under 2f out, 4th and ridden over 1f out, no impression inside final furlong, kept on one pace
ran 5th, closer halfway, 3rd travelling well over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong and asserted closing stages
ran 4th, closer halfway, pushed along over 2f out, ridden over 1f out and no impression in 3rd 100 yards out, eased close home
chased clear leader, closer in 3rd halfway, pushed along over 3f out and dropped to rear 2f out, no impression over 1f out, no extra and eased
led and soon clear, reduced advantage of 2 lengths halfway, pushed along 3f out, ridden and headed 2f out, 3rd over 1f out and no impression inside final furlong, kept on one pace
BRITZKA (NAP) has produced two cracking performances this season and it could be his turn today. Placed behind Derby hope Sir Lamorak at Leopardstown, he returned there to finish a length behind another Ballydoyle colt in Sir William Bruce. He had subsequent winner Druk behind in the latter race and should confirm the form on these terms. Ratib landed a Dundalk maiden in November and is surely better than when last at Naas on his reappearance while Bell Ex One has twice been narrowly beaten after battling to a short-head victory at Gowran, though he had little to spare over Sheishybrid at Sligo when the latter didn't get the run of the race.
Ratib 10-3 (9-2) Chased leader, 4th halfway, niggled along under 3f out, ridden and lost place over 1f out, weakened final furlong, last of 7, 11l behind Benaud (9-6) at Naas 1m 2f Yielding - Soft in May.
Bell Ex One (IRE) 7-4fav (9-12) Dwelt and pushed along briefly, soon chased leaders in 6th, effort from over 2f out, challenged and on terms final furlong, kept on well, just denied at line, 2nd of 11, hd behind Social Distance (9-5) at Sligo 1m 3f hcp Yielding - Soft in May.
Sheishybrid (IRE) 5-1 (9-12) Prominent, soon 3rd, effort behind horses from before straight and tight for room and travelling smoothly, switched left final furlong, kept on well without reaching front pair closing stages, 3rd of 11, 1/2l behind Social Distance (9-5) at Sligo 1m 3f hcp Yielding - Soft in May.
Britzka (IRE) 15-2 (8-12) Settled behind leaders, 7th halfway, ridden into 3rd 1 1/2f out, kept on inside final furlong, 3rd of 14, 1l behind Sir William Bruce (9-12) at Leopardstown 1m 4f hcp gd in May.
Montepulciano 150-1 (9-7) Waited with, 13th approaching straight, kept on same pace without threatening from over 1f out, 7th of 18, 11 1/4l behind Team Of Firsts (9-7) at Navan 1m 2f mdn hvy in Mar.
Coolcullen (IRE) 28-1 (8-6) Dwelt slightly and towards rear, ridden 2f out, kept on closing stages of final furlong, 6th of 14, 3 1/2l behind Sir William Bruce (9-12) at Leopardstown 1m 4f hcp gd in May.
Druk (FR) 5-1 (9-10) Slightly impeded and pushed along briefly soon after start, soon prominent in 2nd, gained narrow lead 2 1/2f out, joined approaching straight, led and kept on well closing stages to just prevail at finish, won at Sligo 1m 3f hcp Yielding - Soft in May beating Baron Wild (9-1) by 1/2l, 11 ran.
Brehon Star (IRE) 12-1 (9-1) Waited with, soon rear of mid-division and raced in 9th, headway and effort from over 2f out, chased leaders and no impression when bumped with rival inside final furlong, kept on same pace without threatening after, 5th of 11, 3 1/4l behind Social Distance (9-5) at Sligo 1m 3f hcp Yielding - Soft in May.
