chased leaders and took keen hold on outer, ridden entering straight, moderate 4th 2f out, no impression
dwelt, in rear, ridden entering straight, 6th 2f out, closer in moderate 2nd 1f out, kept on without threatening winner final furlong
chased leaders, ridden entering straight, went 2nd 2f out, soon no impression, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, ridden in 2nd entering straight, 3rd 2f out, no impression on leaders over 1f out, weakened final furlong
disputed lead, led from halfway, ridden clear entering straight, well clear 1 1/2f out, stayed on strongly, eased inside final furlong, easily
in rear and pushed along early, ridden entering straight, moderate 8th 2f out, moderate 7th 1f out, kept on without threatening
chased leaders, ridden entering straight, moderate 7th 2f out, went moderate 3rd 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
chased leaders, ridden entering straight, moderate 5th 2f out, weakened
towards rear on outer, ridden entering straight, no impression from 2f out
Captain Cullen has only had four starts on the track and was noted staying on over 7f when last seen in October. Our Manekineko has been in superb form over track and trip but the handicapper has really gone to town with another 8lb rise for his latest success and that may prove enough to prevent a hat-trick. Deep Speed is progressing nicely and makes his handicap debut from a fair mark while though Victor's Beach appeared to enjoy dropping back to 7f when beating Doc Holliday last week, he is equally adept at this trip. CARENZA beat Our Manekineko narrowly at Leopardstown in July and, though not making the same progress, is much better in at the weights so David Marnane's filly could prove a blot on this handicap.
Captain Cullen (IRE) 7-1 (9-5) Went a little right out of stalls, in rear, still last over 1f out, kept on well under pressure without threatening on outer inside final furlong, 5th of 10, 6l behind Seanie (9-2) at Dundalk 7f hcp pol in Oct.
Iron Major (IRE) 7-1 (8-6) In rear, ridden in last 2f out, soon no impression, kept on without threatening close home, 8th of 10, 2 1/2l behind Indian Landing (8-11) at Dundalk 7f hcp pol in Dec.
Golden Shoe (IRE) 8-1 (9-7) Chased leader, close up in 2nd halfway, ridden to lead 2f out, strongly pressed final furlong, headed close home, 2nd of 7, hd behind Queen Of The Sand (9-5) at Dundalk 1m 3yo stks pol in Nov.
Our Manekineko 6-1 (10-0) Always prominent, close 2nd entering straight, ridden to lead under 2f out, stayed on well final furlong, comfortably, won at Dundalk 1m app hcp 47-65 pol in Dec beating Reckless Lad (9-11) by 2l, 10 ran.
Deep Speed (IRE) 2-1fav (9-5) Soon tracked leader, ridden and forced a little wide over 2f out, soon gained narrow lead, stayed on well inside final furlong, won at Dundalk 1m mdn stks pol in Dec beating Lean And Keen (9-5) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
Victor's Beach (IRE) 7-2 (9-7) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, ridden in 4th 2f out, kept on well between horses inside final furlong to lead close home, won at Dundalk 7f hcap pol beating Doc Holliday (9-11) by nk, 9 ran.
Ningaloo Reef (IRE) 10-1 (9-11) Chased leaders, 6th early, 4th over 1f out, kept on same pace under pressure closing stages, 4th of 11, 1l behind Dancing Cosmos (9-8) at Dundalk 1m stks (0-75) pol in Dec.
Queen Of Alba (IRE) 13-2 (9-2) Mid-division, ridden along over 3f out, soon weakened, eased under 2f out, soon trailing, last of 9, 47l behind Gretzky (9-6) at Dundalk 1m 4f hcap pol in Dec.
Carenza (IRE) 5-1fav (8-13) Chased leaders, close 5th entering straight, soon ridden, 3rd 1f out, kept on in 2nd inside final furlong, 2nd of 14, 3/4l behind King Of Oriel (8-13) at Gowran Park 1m 1f app hcp 50-75 gd in Sep.
