always towards rear, pushed along under 2f out, soon no impression under hands and heels
held up in 5th, ridden in closer 4th on outer 2f out, 2nd 1f out, stayed on well to lead close home
chased leaders, ridden entering straight, soon weakened
chased leaders, pushed along entering straight, ridden in 3rd 2f out, dropped to 4th under 1f out, no impression
led, ridden clear 2f out, strongly pressed inside final furlong, headed and no extra close home
dwelt, held up in rear, ridden entering straight, went 5th 2f out, 5th 1f out, kept on without threatening to go 3rd inside final furlong, no extra
chased leader in 2nd, ridden 2f out, soon weakened
Captain Cullen is versatile from 5f to twice that trip and scored at the Curragh from just 1lb lower in October. Northern Surprise went up 10lb for his victory over track and trip in November but completed a double over an extra furlong last month when just catching today's rival Poetic Choice, who again ran well a couple of weeks ago behind Ishebayorgrey. There's nothing between them again though the latter can gain revenge. DEEDS NOT WORDS, a winner six times for Mick Channon, was having only his third start for Johnny Levins when a close fifth in that race won by Ishebayorgrey. He didn't get the clearest of runs and should be ready to gain his first success for the yard. Mcguigan is still a maiden but has been running well enough to get involved and is now on his lowest ever mark.
Your Pal Tal 10-1 (9-8) Always towards rear, ridden over 2f out, no impression, 8th of 9, 7 1/2l behind Chiclet (9-8) at Dundalk 5f hcp pol in Jan.
Northern Surprise (IRE) 11-1 (9-7) Mid-division, 9th halfway, progress on outer in straight and ridden in 4th 1f out, kept on under pressure to lead on line, won at Dundalk 1m pol in Dec beating Poetic Choice (9-1) by hd, 14 ran.
Rattling Jewel 66-1 (9-0) Mid-division on outer and pulled hard, ridden and weakened entering straight, last of 8, 18 1/4l behind Hat Alnasar (8-11) at Dundalk 1m hcp pol in Jan.
Deeds Not Words (IRE) 33-1 (9-4) Rear of mid-division, 9th 3f out, progress and pushed along in 6th under 2f out, 6th 1f out, kept on steadily under hands and heels final furlong, 5th of 10, 2l behind Ishebayorgrey (9-0) at Dundalk 7f pol in Jan.
Poetic Choice 3-1 (9-2) Chased leaders on inner, ridden in 3rd 2f out, close 5th 1f out, kept on without threatening in 3rd inside final furlong, 3rd of 10, 1 1/4l behind Ishebayorgrey (9-0) at Dundalk 7f pol in Jan.
Mcguigan (IRE) 9-2 (9-5) Mid-division, 8th halfway, some progress on inner in straight, no impression in 6th 1f out, kept on one pace, 6th of 14, 3l behind Eagle Valley (9-0) at Dundalk 1m mdn pol in Dec.
Lady Maesmor 12-1 (9-7) Tracked leader, effort over 1f out, faded final furlong, 5th of 9, 7 3/4l behind Cape Xenia (9-6) at Leicester 6f hcp (5) gd in Jul.
Captain Cullen (IRE) 11-2 (9-6) Soon chased leaders, took keen hold, pushed along into straight, no impression 1 1/2f out, kept on same pace, 5th of 9, 2 3/4l behind Reckless Lad (8-4) at Dundalk 1m hcp pol in Nov.
