Racecards
18:55 Down Royal (IRE)
Megan McManus Memorial Hurdle
- 5 Runners
- Distance: 2m 4f
- Going: Good (Good to Firm in places)
- Surface: Turf
- €17,500 added
- Winner: €12,074
- 2nd: €2,801
- 3rd: €1,226
- 4th: €700
- Form 23/2164-
- Age 6
- Weight 11-12
- Official Rating 152
- Trainer G Elliott
- Jockey J W Kennedy
chased leader in share of 2nd, not fluent 3rd, mistake 4th, dropped to 3rd after 4 out, ridden before 2 out and briefly went 2nd, 3rd after 2 out, not fluent last and kept on run-in without matching front two
- Form 08651-3
- Age 6
- Weight 11-8
- Official Rating 109
- Trainer T Gibney
- Jockey M P Flanagan
chased leader in share of 2nd, improved into 2nd after 4 out, ridden before 2 out and soon dropped to 4th, no extra from before last
- Form 141P/11-
- Age 8
- Weight 11-6
- Trainer W P Mullins
- Jockey B J Cooper
settled in 4th and briefly niggled along after 2nd, took closer order after 3 out, improved into 2nd after 2 out and led before last, not fluent last and ridden, soon headed and kept on same pace close home
- Form 31413F-
- Age 8
- Weight 11-6
- Official Rating 140
soon led and clear before 2nd, reduced advantage after 4th, ridden and headed before last, railled to regain lead run-in and kept on well under pressure close home
- Form 5/80F04-
- Age 9
- Weight 11-6
- Official Rating 124
- Trainer S R B Crawford
- Jockey A E Lynch
raced in rear, ridden and no impression after 3 out
Verdict
BAYAN is a Grade 3 hurdles winner at Ascot and finished fourth in Listed company at Sandown on his latest start. He should have enough to edge out the progressive chasers Rawnaq and Devils Bride as the latter pair return to hurdles. The former won a decent novice chase at Navan in February but has some improving to do to match the selection over timber and Devils Bride makes more appeal. Willie Mullins' charge has won his last two starts over fences and has plenty of scope back over the smaller obstacles. Run With The Wind and To Choose will do well to get involved on these terms.
Formwatch
Bayan (IRE) 4-1 (11-4) Held up in last pair but in touch, headway bypassing omitted 3 out, one pace in 4th before next, 4th of 6, 12l behind Polly Peachum (10-11) at Sandown 2m 6f Listed hdl (1) gs in Apr.
To Choose (IRE) 9-2 (11-8) Held up in 4th, reminders 3 out, ridden next, kept on one pace into 3rd entering straight, no impression on leaders, 3rd of 4, 6l behind Definite Earl (11-2) at Ballinrobe 2m nov hdl gd in May.
Devils Bride (IRE) 1-2fav (11-8) Soon led, still travelling smoothly and asserted from before 2 out, clear approaching last, stayed on well run-in, easily, won at Limerick 2m 3f nov chs in Jul beating Authinger (11-1) by 6l, 5 ran.
Rawnaq (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Not fluent 1st, held up in touch, fell 13th, in a race won by Saphir Du Rheu (11-4) at Aintree 3m 1f nov chs G1 (1) gd in Apr, 9 ran.
Run With The Wind (IRE) 33-1 (10-10) Mid-division, 8th halfway, 6th 2 out, went 4th before last, kept on one pace, 4th of 16, 8l behind Stocktons Wing (11-4) at Down Royal 2m hcp hdl 0-150 in Nov.