soon raced in 2nd, lost place 2f out, soon no impression
soon raced in 6th, under pressure approaching straight, soon no extra, tailed off
soon raced in 4th, challenged and on terms under 2f out, ridden to assert final furlong and stayed on well, comfortably
soon led, headed under 2f out, no extra and one pace from over 1f out
slowly into stride, soon raced in 5th, one pace from over 1f out
soon raced in 8th, pushed along before straight, went 3rd over 1f out, kept on same pace
slowly into stride, in rear, no extra from 4f out, tailed off
soon raced in 3rd, lost place 2f out, soon no impression
soon raced in 7th, closed up travelling smoothly straight, challenged and on terms briefly under 2f out, no extra and one pace final furlong
An interesting claimer in which previous course winners should come to the fore. Elusive In Paris has a first start for the Holden yard and this looks more than a sighter with McDonogh booked. Strong support would be significant. Despite not being an obvious choice on official ratings NULIFE has been performing well in handicaps here this year and a repeat of his victory over course and distance on his penultimate start would see him bang in contention. Zaofu has similar claims and has to be shortlisted along with New Story. Important Message has been absent for getting on for 600 days on the Flat - he did pull up over timber recently - but if he retains a vestige of the ability displayed with Godolphin he would become automatically of interest. The market should highlight his chance.
Important Message 66-1 (11-12) Always behind, never a factor, pulled up before 3 out, at Gowran Park 2m mdn hvy in Mar.
Shabrasupmonaghan (IRE) 66-1 (9-7) Mid-division, 5th halfway, ridden and no impression 2f out, soon no extra, 7th of 9, 17 1/2l behind Sir Danilo (9-7) at Dundalk 1m mdn pol in Mar.
Archer's Up 25-1 (11-6) Tracked leader, 2nd halfway, pushed along early straight, ridden and no extra under 2f out, weakened, 10th of 12, 16 1/4l behind Apparition (11-3) at Curragh 1m 4f hcp gf in Jul.
Nulife (IRE) 11-4fav (9-5) Soon led, headed after 3f and 3rd halfway, headway early straight to lead briefly 2f out, soon ridden and 3rd 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 6th of 14, 5 3/4l behind Six Silver Lane (10-0) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp pol in Apr.
Park Row (IRE) 11-1 (9-12) Chased leader, dropped to 8th halfway, progress to 5th over 3f out, ridden 1 1/2f out, kept on same pace in 4th final 150 yards, 4th of 11, 4 1/4l behind Nulife (9-1) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp pol in Mar.
Zaofu (IRE) 25-1 (8-6) Rear of mid-division, never a factor, ridden early straight and no impression over 1f out, kept on one pace, 9th of 12, 9 1/2l behind Financial Conduct (9-8) at Dundalk 1m 4f hcp pol in Apr.
Somelife (IRE) Frozen Power gelding out of Appley Bridge.
De Danu's Bach (IRE) 25-1 (10-6) Chased leaders early, 5th after 6th, jumped slightly left 7th and 8th, jumped left 9th, weakened 5 out, pulled up before 2 out, at Clonmel 2m 7f hcp hvy in Mar.
Elusive In Paris (IRE) 5-4fav (9-8) Mid-division, headway travelling well entering straight, led under 2f out, soon ridden clear, eased close home, comfortably, won at Dundalk 1m 3f pol in May beating Indian Tomahawk (9-0) by 1l, 11 ran.
New Story 11-4jfav (9-6) Mid-division, ridden and slightly hampered 2f out, no extra 1 1/2f out, 7th of 9, 12 3/4l behind Carvelas (8-12) at Dundalk 1m 3f pol in Mar.
