chased leaders early, held up after 2f, ridden and no impression 2f out, no extra over 1f out
soon disputed, led after 1f, pushed along 1 1/2f out, kept on strongly under hands and heels inside final furlong, comfortably
held up, 4th halfway, ridden to close in 3rd 2f out, no impression over 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
held up in rear, closer on outer 2f out, ridden in 4th 1 1/2f out, kept on to dispute 2nd inside final furlong, 2nd at line
chased leaders, 2nd after 2f, ridden 1 1/2f out, no impression on winner 1f out, disputed 2nd inside final furlong, 3rd at line
disputed, headed after 1f, ran freely early, 3rd halfway, ridden and no impression 2f out, no extra 1 1/2f out
Joseph O'Brien appears to hold the key here with San Andreas, who made most for an impressive victory over a mile three weeks ago, and NO NEEDS NEVER (NAP). The latter, narrowly beaten in a Naas Group 3 last April, had no answer to Bowerman on his reappearance last month but that should have blown the cobwebs away and he looks the one to beat. Laugh A Minute had some smart form for Roger Varian, including a second place in a Newcastle Group 3, and he's an excellent addition to Ado McGuinness' string. Black Magic Woman was only beaten a neck in a premier handicap at Leopardstown in September and has won around here so can't be ignored.
Insignia Of Rank (IRE) 16-1 (9-12) Soon raced in 5th, effort and not much room between horses from 2f out, one pace from over 1f out, 9th of 16, 8 1/4l behind One Cool Poet (9-3) at Curragh 1m 2f hcp gf in Sep.
San Andreas (IRE) 10-3 (9-8) Tracked leader and led after 1 1/2f, 2 lengths clear and travelling well 2f out, ridden and stayed on well inside final furlong, easily, won at Dundalk 1m hcp pol in Feb beating Spiorad Saoirse (8-9) by 6 1/2l, 8 ran.
Black Magic Woman (IRE) 10-1 (9-0) Broke well, soon dropped back to mid-division, pushed along approaching straight and 4th 2f out, ridden and no impression over 1f out, no extra, 6th of 12, 7l behind Yulong Gold Fairy (9-2) at Tipperary 7f Grp 3 stks (1) Soft - Heavy in Oct.
Laugh A Minute 12-1 (9-3) In touch far side, ridden over 1f out, never on terms, weakened inside final furlong, last of 24, 10 3/4l behind Angel Alexander (8-13) at Ayr 6f hcp (2) gd in Sep.
No Needs Never (IRE) 4-5fav (9-2) Soon raced in 4th, travelling smoothly straight, pushed along 1 1/2f out, chased winner final furlong, soon no impression, kept on same pace, 2nd of 8, 2 3/4l behind Bowerman (9-2) at Dundalk 1m pol in Jan.
Drombeg Dream (IRE) 50-1 (9-2) Held up early, mid-division before halfway, ridden and no extra over 2f out, 10th of 13, 11 1/4l behind Up Helly Aa (9-4) at Cork 1m 1f lst stks (1) Yielding - Soft in Oct.