soon led, pressed 2f out, pushed along to assert 1 1/2f out, ridden and kept on well final furlong
soon chased leaders, ridden into 3rd 2f out, 2nd over 1f out, kept on without reaching winner inside final furlong
towards rear, ridden 3f out, closer towards inner in 4th 2f out, no impression over 1f out, kept on one pace
disputed briefly, soon chased leader in 2nd, challenged 2f out, ridden in 2nd 1 1/2f out, no extra in 3rd 1f out, kept on one pace
chased leaders on outer, 5th halfway, ridden and no impression 2f out, no extra over 1f out
chased leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden 3f out, no extra over 2f out, weakened over 1f out
towards rear for most, ridden and no impression on outer 2f out
chased leaders briefly, soon settled mid-division, ridden 3f out, under pressure in 6th 2f out, 5th 1f out, kept on one pace
Joseph O'Brien complicates matters with three of the eight entries. Colfer Me is 16lb higher than his only victory at Down Royal but has been narrowly beaten in his last two starts so looks certain to give a good account. NUMERIAN improved from his opening runs over 7f on this track to land a maiden over this trip in very good style. He appeared to have a bit in hand though a line through runner-up Unabridged puts him on a par with Lafayette Hill, who beat the runner-up in similar style last time. The latter had earlier been three lengths behind Calling Time but was conceding 18lb and can take revenge on these terms. Vivacious Spirit makes his handicap debut and has shown enough to suggest he can get involved without troubling the principals.
Colfer Me (IRE) 11-4jfav (9-10) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, pushed along 3f out, challenged 2f out, soon ridden, disputed over 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong, just denied at line, 2nd of 9, shd behind Beau Warrior (9-3) at Dundalk 7f hcp pol in Dec.
Numerian (IRE) 8-1 (9-5) Mid-division, ridden to progress 2f out, closer on inner 1 1/2f out, disputed 1f out, soon narrow lead, kept on well under pressure, won at Dundalk 1m mdn pol in Jan beating Unabridged (9-0) by 1/2l, 13 ran.
Lafayette Hill (IRE) 5-1fav (9-0) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden behind leaders 2f out, stayed on to challenge 1f out, led final 150 yards, kept on well close home, won at Dundalk 1m mdn fll pol in Dec beating Unabridged (9-0) by 1 1/4l, 14 ran.
Vivacious Spirit 5-1 (9-5) Soon led, headed after 2f and 3rd halfway, pushed along early straight and ridden in 4th over 1f out, no impression inside final furlong, 4th of 14, 3 1/2l behind Karasi (9-5) at Dundalk 1m mdn pol in Nov.
Calling Time (IRE) 3-1fav (9-2) Chased leaders early, soon mid-division, ridden to press leaders 2f out, disputed 1 1/2f out, narrow lead 1f out, kept on well under pressure final furlong, won at Dundalk 7f hcp pol in Jan beating Burning Lake (9-1) by 1/2l, 11 ran.
Film Noir (IRE) 100-1 (9-0) Towards rear, ridden and no impression 2f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, 6th of 14, 6 1/4l behind Cnoc An Oir (9-0) at Dundalk 7f mdn fll pol in Oct.
Tigray (USA) 7-2 (9-7) Soon settled behind leaders, 6th halfway, ridden and no impression behind leaders 2f out, kept on one pace from over 1f out, 6th of 11, 8l behind Calling Time (9-2) at Dundalk 7f hcp pol in Jan.
Any Other News (IRE) 18-1 (8-10) Chased leader, 2nd halfway, ridden to challenge 2f out, every chance over 1f out, 3rd 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 4th of 11, 3 1/4l behind Calling Time (9-2) at Dundalk 7f hcp pol in Jan.
