held up in touch in rear, pushed along in last under 2f out, 4th 1f out, reminder in 4th under 1f out, kept on under hands and heels to go 3rd inside final furlong, never nearer
soon led, ridden 2f out, soon strongly pressed, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong
held up in touch in rear, pushed along and went 4th under 2f out, ridden in 3rd 1f out, kept on without threatening winner to go 2nd inside final furlong
chased leaders in 3rd, improved into 2nd travelling well 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong
dwelt, soon chased leader in 2nd, ridden and wandered around 2f out, weakened over 1f out
An Saighdiur followed a narrow defeat on his reappearance here a year ago with a very impressive Listed victory on heavy ground at Cork. He didn't win again but competed at a very high level. Seanie completed a double over 7f in the autumn and has a victory over that trip on this track to his credit so may find this on the short side. Balmont Mast had four runs in Dubai early last year and performed well. He only had two subsequent starts but the latest was in December so he should be fit enough. However, he was behind RUSSIAN SOUL when the latter landed a Group 3 at Meydan last February and Mick Halford's charge has been racing there this winter. He didn't win last summer but was placed several times at Listed level and this looks within his capabilities. Farmleigh House and I Will Excel have plenty to find at the weights though the latter, the only three-year-old in the line-up, is progressing nicely.
An Saighdiur (IRE) 25-1 (9-2) Led on near side rail, pushed along halfway, headed well over 1f out, soon ridden and gradually weakened, 14th of 15, 14l behind Gordon Lord Byron (9-2) at Ascot 6f Grp 2 (1) hvy in Oct.
Seanie (IRE) 10-1 (9-7) Slightly awkward leaving stalls, soon led, attempted to assert from 2f out, joined inside final furlong, soon headed and one pace, 5th of 13, 2 1/2l behind Kanes Pass (9-2) at Leopardstown 7f Listed stks (1) in Oct.
Balmont Mast (IRE) 7-1 (10-1) Chased leaders, 6th halfway, ridden in 4th over 1f out, kept on one pace inside final furlong, 4th of 8, 2 1/2l behind Captain Joy (9-12) at Dundalk 7f hcp pol in Dec.
Russian Soul (IRE) 14-1 (8-11) 9th of 12, 6l behind Ertijaal (8-13) at Meydan(UAE) 6f hcp gd in Feb.
I Will Excel (IRE) 5-2 (9-0) Chased winner in 2nd, throughout pushed along 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Wychwood Warrior (9-4) at Dundalk 7f 3yo stks pol.
Farmleigh House (IRE) 8-1 (10-0) Mid-division, ridden in 7th 2f out, soon no impression, 6th of 11, 2 1/2l behind Almadaa (8-8) at Dundalk 6f hcp pol.
