tracked leaders in 3rd, improved to lead 2f out, ridden clear from over 1f out, stayed on strongly final furlong, eased close home
dwelt, soon improved to lead, ridden and headed 2f out, soon no extra
settled 4th, pushed along in last 4f out, no extra over 2f out and weakened
settled in last, 4th 4f out, ridden and no impression over 2f out, moderate over 3rd 1f out, kept on same pace
led early, soon chased leader in 2nd, ridden 3f out, challenged briefly 2f out, no extra in 2nd 1 1/2f out, kept on same pace
Zaralabad bids for a hat-trick after winning twice over 1m6f last month. This shorter trip may catch him out, however, and the same comment applies to End Of The Affair, who has registered this year's two victories over 2m and further. Solo Performer has a bit to find with the latter on earlier form and Vivaldi has been well beaten over hurdles of late. Donatis Comet has claims on only his third run on the Flat but the vote goes to NORTHGATE, whose sixth in a Group 3 at Leopardstown last week is easily the best form on show and a repeat will be good enough to take this.
Northgate (IRE) 16-1 (9-8) Chased leaders, ridden and no impression from 3f out, 6th of 7, 7l behind Galileo's Choice (9-8) at Leopardstown 1m 2f Grp 3 (1) gd.
Solo Performer (IRE) 5-1 (9-3) Held up towards rear, ridden in 8th and no impression 2f out, kept on one pace, 8th of 9, 12l behind Teach Nua (7-13) at Sligo 1m 2f hcp gd in Aug.
Vivaldi (IRE) 33-1 (9-9) Always towards rear, 13th of 14, 27l behind Changingoftheguard (8-7) at Down Royal 1m 5f hcp gf in Jun '09.
Zaralabad (IRE) 12-1 (8-12) Mid-division, ridden in 6th 2f out, headway to lead under 1f out, kept on well final furlong, won at Killarney 1m 6f hcp gd in Aug beating Dimona (8-7) by 1l, 14 ran.
End Of The Affair (IRE) 16-1 (11-7) Chased leaders, 8th under 4f out, kept on same pace under pressure from over 2f out, 10th of 20, 17l behind Fosters Cross (10-1) at Galway 2m am hcp 70-100 gd in Jul.
Donatis Comet (IRE) 2-1fav (12-5) Chased clear leader, 5th halfway, no impression early straight, moderate 4th over 1f out, kept on one pace, 4th of 10, 14l behind Bullock Harbour (12-5) at Bellewstown 1m 6f mdn stks gf in Aug.