tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden 2f out, under pressure and kept on well inside final furlong to lead close home
held up in 5th, pushed along approaching straight and no impression in rear 1 1/2f out, no extra final furlong
tracked leaders in 4th, ridden 2f out and no impression 1f out, kept on one pace inside final furlong
led, ridden 2f out and soon challenged, headed 150 yards out and no extra close home
dwelt and settled in rear, ridden early straight and no impression in 5th 1f out, kept on one pace
tracked leader in 2nd, ridden to challenge and led 150 yards out, kept on under pressure, headed close home
Shabra Emperor landed a similar class handicap over the track and trip a year ago but that was his only success in 54 starts, though he's been racing over shorter trips recently. The Ring Is King ran well following a break when runner-up in January but disappointed when well supported a week later. Strandfield Lady hasn't run since September and generally needs her first outing while neither Victor's Beach nor Balmont Flyer are running well and the former tackles this trip for the first time. HOME SECRETARY has won six races in his career, all at around this trip on this track. He's only 1lb higher than his latest success in November and Conor Hoban's claim can help him to victory number seven.
The Ring Is King (IRE) 3-1fav (9-4) Chased leader in 2nd, closer order 5f out, pushed along into straight, no impression from under 2f out, lost place and kept on same pace from over 1f out, 6th of 8, 6l behind Ningaloo Reef (9-1) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcap pol in Feb.
Strandfield Lady (IRE) 16-1 (9-6) Towards rear, ridden in 9th early straight and no impression on winner over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 5th of 14, 5l behind Castle Guest (9-8) at Leopardstown 1m 2f hcp sft in Nov.
Victor's Beach (IRE) 12-1 (9-10) Towards rear, ridden entering straight, no impression from 2f out, some modest progress, never a factor, 7th of 13, 7l behind Reckless Lad (9-1) at Dundalk 7f hcap pol in Feb.
Balmont Flyer (IRE) 9-1 (9-7) Mid-division, moderate 6th 4f out, closer in 5th and ridden 2f out, soon weakened, 8th of 11, 10l behind Alvar (9-6) at Dundalk 1m 3f app hcp pol in Feb.
Home Secretary 16-1 (8-6) Mid-division, ridden and no impression over 2f out, kept on one pace, 8th of 13, 5l behind Senyuman (8-11) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcap pol in Jan.
Shabra Emperor (IRE) 10-1 (8-4) Tracked leaders and 3rd halfway, ridden 2f out and kept on under pressure inside final furlong, 3rd of 11, 1 1/2l behind Dancing Cosmos (8-13) at Dundalk 1m hcap pol.
