pressed leader in 2nd, ridden to dispute 2 1/2f out, headed under 2f out, no extra in 3rd inside final furlong, kept on same pace
dwelt slightly, soon mid-division, ridden to challenge 2f out, soon led, drifted right 1f out, kept on well to assert inside final furlong, comfortably
held up and ran freely early, ridden and closer behind leaders 2f out, no impression in 4th 1f out, no extra final furlong
led, ridden and joined 2 1/2f out, headed 2f out, soon no extra
always towards rear, ridden and no impression over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
chased leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden to close on outer 2f out, under pressure in 3rd over 1f out, kept on into 2nd inside final furlong, no impression on winner
settled behind leaders, 4th halfway, ridden 3f out, under pressure in 6th 2f out, kept on again into 4th inside final furlong, no impression on leaders
Aidan O'Brien had five original entries and relies on the lightly-raced Curly. Her latest run when attempting to make all in the Group 2 Blandford Stakes at the Curragh was probably her best so far and she should make a bold bid here. Massif Central won here a year ago and has been competing at a high level this summer but faces a stiff task against smart younger rivals. Ed Dunlop sent Global Giant here two weeks ago for a Group 3 and he beat all bar Mootasadir so would have to be considered on that form. MUTAABEQ made an impressive debut at Ballinrobe and only had two to beat to complete a double at Sligo. The runner-up was rated 86 and was receiving 6lb so it was a fine effort by Dermot Weld's charge, who is related to several smart winners and can remain unbeaten. Damselfly is a regular at this sort of level but rarely wins and may have to settle for a place again.
Massif Central (IRE) 13-2 (9-8) Led, ridden over 2f out, pressed 2f out, headed 1 1/2f out, soon no extra, kept on one pace final furlong, 4th of 6, 4 3/4l behind Mootasadir (9-3) at Dundalk 1m 3f Grp 3 stks (1) pol in Sep.
Global Giant 10-3 (9-3) Dwelt slightly and held up in 5th, ridden to challenge between horses under 2f out, disputed 1 1/2f out, headed final 100 yards, no extra in 2nd close home, 2nd of 6, 1 1/2l behind Mootasadir (9-3) at Dundalk 1m 3f Grp 3 stks (1) pol in Sep.
Mutaabeq (IRE) 1-3fav (9-9) Tracked leader in 2nd, pushed along to challenge on outer over 1f out and ridden to lead inside final furlong, kept on well, won at Sligo 1m 2f gd in Aug beating Meagher's Flag (9-3) by 1/2l, 3 ran.
Curly (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) Led and soon clear, reduced advantage 3f out, ridden and headed under 2f out, 2nd 1f out, no extra final furlong and dropped to 4th close home, 4th of 9, 2 1/4l behind Eziyra (9-5) at Curragh 1m 2f Grp 2 fll stks (1) gd in Sep.
Damselfly (IRE) 50-1 (9-0) Towards rear, ridden and some headway on outer over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, never a factor, 6th of 13, 4 1/2l behind One Master (9-5) at Tipperary 7f Grp 3 fll stks (1) Good - Yielding in Aug.
Mazzuri (IRE) 20-1 (8-12) Mid-division and 11th from halfway, improved into 8th from 3f out, ridden from 2f out, no impression and kept on into 6th inside final furlong, 6th of 15, 10 3/4l behind Panstarr (9-4) at Listowel 1m 1f lst stks (1) sft in Sep.
Wishing Star (IRE) 6-1 (9-13) Mid-division on inner, ran freely, pushed along and switched right over 2f out, ridden in 4th over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong, 3rd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Rockabill (10-0) at Killarney 1m 3f hcp gd in Aug.
