led, headed over 2f out, still prominent but struggling when briefly short of room under 1f out, no extra
mid-division, wide and effort straight, moderate 6th and kept on same pace from 1f out
towards rear, closer in 6th approaching straight, improved to challenge from under 2f out, close 4th 1f out, kept on well under pressure, not get to winner
dwelt, soon tracked leaders, challenged from under 2f out, led inside final furlong, soon pressed and stayed on well
in rear, improved to challenge from under 2f out, 2nd and every chance 1f out, kept on same pace closing stages
chased leaders, 5th approaching straight, no extra from over 1f out, eased when beaten
close up, led over 2f out, soon ridden, headed and kept on same pace inside final furlong
chased leaders, pushed along well before halfway, lost place approaching straight, eased when beaten
tracked leaders, ridden approaching straight, no extra from under 2f out, eased when beaten
Alvar doesn't run anywhere else these days and he's now won three times here though he's on his highest ever mark after a very good run behind He's Our Music a fortnight ago when Ningaloo Reef was behind. HAPPY ANNIVERSARY hadn't been running well on Turf but took advantage of a lower all-weather mark to score here three weeks ago and a 5lb rise still leaves her on a fair mark. She's handed the vote though The Black Devil was tackling a trip much too far last month after his impressive course and distance success so should prove a threat.
The Black Devil (IRE) 10-1 (9-9) Tracked leaders, pushed along in 3rd 4f out, dropped to 9th and no extra from over 1f out, 11th of 14, 22l behind Vote Of Confidence (9-7) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp 50-75 pol in Oct.
Alvar (USA) 12-1 (9-6) Chased leaders, ridden in close 3rd 2f out, led briefly 1 1/2f out, soon headed, kept on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 14, 1 3/4l behind Hes Our Music (9-7) at Dundalk 1m hcp 60-80 pol.
Toufan Express 12-1 (9-9) Mid-division, ridden entering straight, soon no impression, 9th of 14, 7l behind Home Secretary (9-10) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp 50-70 pol.
Ningaloo Reef (IRE) 16-1 (9-1) Pushed along early and soon prominent, ridden in 2nd 2f out, no extra final furlong, 5th of 14, 3l behind Hes Our Music (9-7) at Dundalk 1m hcp 60-80 pol.
Measured Approval (IRE) 33-1 (9-2) Slowly into stride and always towards rear, no impression from 3f out, never a factor, 12th of 14, 7l behind That's Plenty (9-9) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp pol.
Happy Anniversary (IRE) 10-1 (9-2) Always prominent, on terms approaching straight, led over 1f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, won at Dundalk 1m app hcp 47-65 pol in Oct beating Maal (9-11) by 1 1/4l, 14 ran.
The Firm (IRE) 18-1 (9-6) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden 2f out, no extra 1 1/2f out, 11th of 14, 10l behind Apache Gold (8-2) at Cork 6f App hcp in Oct.
Cairdiuil (IRE) 16-1 (7-9) Mid-division and 9th halfway, ridden early straight and soon no impression, no extra inside final furlong, 10th of 14, 11l behind Castle Guest (9-8) at Leopardstown 1m 2f hcp sft.
Daliyan (IRE) 7-1 (9-8) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden in 5th 2f out, no extra over 1f out, kept on one pace, 7th of 13, 7l behind The Black Devil (9-3) at Dundalk 1m hcp 50-70 pol in Aug.
