tracked leaders, ridden in 3rd 3 out, 5th next, no impression
rear of mid-division on outer, headway into 4th 4 out, soon pushed along, ridden in 4th 3 out, soon no impression on leaders, 4th when left 3rd and slightly hampered at last, no extra
led and clear, jumped slightly left, reduced advantage 4 out, ridden 3 out, headed after 2 out, 3rd and no impression on leaders when left 2nd at last, kept on one pace
mid-division, 6th 3 out, headway into 3rd 2 out, pushed along and improved to dispute lead with every chance when fell at last
tracked leaders, dropped to mid-division at halfway, no impression from 3 out
tracked leader in 2nd, improved to lead travelling well after 2 out, pushed along and joined when left clear at last, ridden and stayed on run-in
always towards rear, no impression from 3 out, never a factor
rear of mid-division, took keen hold, headway into 4th at 4th, ridden in 6th before 2 out, left 5th at last, kept on without threatening to go 3rd close home
in rear, no impression from 3 out, moderate 7th next, kept on without threatening run-in
Battle Of Actium looked one to follow when making all for a comfortable victory in a maiden over the course and distance in December but didn't make the expected progress in novice company on a return visit though didn't enjoy the heavy conditions. SHANROE (NAP) was in excellent form last summer, scoring twice on the Flat and over hurdles at Tipperary and ending the year with a fine effort in the November Handicap at Naas. He's taken to defy an absence though Papal Lodge looks a threat after losing his maiden tag over hurdles at Punchestown and should be suited by the longer trip. The latter's yard also run O Connell Street but Arthur's Baby looks to have more of a chance if managing to get round as she's won two of her last three. The USA-trained Baltimore Bucko has been racing in unsuitable conditions and connections won't want any more rain.
Battle Of Actium (IRE) 9-2 (11-12) Led or disputed lead, led after 4th, jumped left next and headed after 6th, remained prominent, pushed along 3 out, ridden and no impression in 4th before next, no extra, 4th of 6, 22l behind La Chanteuse (11-2) at Down Royal 2m 4f hvy in Feb.
Shanroe 8-1 (10-0) Mid-division on outer, pushed along in 10th 3f out, soon ridden, 10th 1f out, kept on without threatening final furlong, never nearer, 4th of 16, 3 1/4l behind De Name Escapes Me (9-2) at Naas 1m 6f hcp hvy in Nov.
Mighty Tom (IRE) 28-1 (11-6) Held up in touch in rear, headway into 5th approaching 2 out, soon ridden and no impression, 5th of 7, 14 1/2l behind Echoes In Rain (10-12) at Naas 1m 7f (1) Yielding - Soft in Feb.
Baltimore Bucko 7-2 (11-4) Mid-division, slight mistake 5 out, progress into 6th after 4 out, ridden and no impression next, no extra entering straight, 6th of 14, 32 1/4l behind No Grey Area's (11-2) at Gowran Park 2m 4f hcp hvy in Mar.
All About Joe (IRE) 9-2 (11-5) Waited with, soon towards rear, slight mistake 4th, no danger approaching straight, kept on same pace without threatening, 8th of 13, 26 3/4l behind You Raised Me Up (12-0) at Naas 2m 3f sft in Feb.
Papal Lodge (IRE) 4-5fav (12-0) Prominent, soon chased leader in 2nd, took closer order 4th, not fluent 6th, on terms straight, led approaching last, asserted and stayed on well run-in, won at Punchestown 2m mdn sft in Mar beating Mahons Glory (11-6) by 4 1/2l, 16 ran.
Arthur's Baby (IRE) 7-2 (11-5) Held up towards rear, fell 3rd, at Ballinrobe 2m 6f sft in Oct.
O Connell Street (IRE) 40-1 (12-0) Waited with, soon towards rear, slight mistakes 1st and 2nd and some slight mistakes after, never a factor, kept on without threatening straight, 10th of 15, 10 1/2l behind Fou Diligence (11-9) at Naas 2m hcp sft in Feb.
Copia Verborum (IRE) 100-1 (11-9) Tracked leaders early, mid-division 3 out, closer next, pushed along and no impression approaching last, kept on one pace, 7th of 19, 20 1/4l behind Get My Drift (11-9) at Leopardstown 2m mdn Yielding in Dec.
