led, 5 lengths advantage halfway, reduced lead over 4f out and headed approaching straight, soon no extra
settled in mid-division, 5th halfway, good headway to go 2nd entering straight, soon ridden and no impression on winner under 2f out, dropped to 3rd 1f out and kept on same pace
waited with in 6th, headway into 3rd entering straight, ridden and went 2nd 1f out, kept on well under pressure inside final furlong, just failed
settled in rear, closer approaching straight and went 5th over 2f out, no impression from well over 1f out
raced in 5th, 3rd halfway, ridden and dropped towards rear entering straight, no extra
tracked leader in 2nd and took keen hold early, dropped to 4th entering straight and soon ridden, no impression from over 1f out
tracked leaders on inner, 4th halfway, headway to lead approaching straight, ridden 2f out and kept on well under pressure, all out to just hold on
The Mighty Milan hasn't been seen since finishing runner-up in a strong bumper at the Curragh in May but looks a really smart type and should go well in his attempt at a successful reappearance. EIGHT CHIMES showed the benefit of a promising opener on this track by beating subsequent hurdles winner Mad Brian on a return visit in January. Tony Martin's charge looks very progressive and can complete the double though Apache Stronghold, an impressive Down Royal winner in November, is another to consider. Winning point-to-pointer Azorian beat what looked a decent field at Leopardstown in February and should also be in the firing line.
Agent James (IRE) 16-1 (11-7) Led, joined after 6f, headed and lost place from under 4f out, 6th and kept on same pace from 2f out, 6th of 8, 26l behind Murtys Delight (11-0) at Limerick 2m 3f N H flat hvy in Mar.
Apache Stronghold (IRE) 9-4fav (11-4) Settled behind leaders, 6th halfway, headway into 3rd 3f out, challenged 2f out, led 1 1/2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on well final furlong, won at Down Royal 2m N H flat gd in Nov beating Isle View (10-13) by 3l, 9 ran.
Azorian (IRE) 11-4 (11-13) Mid-division, 7th halfway, headway from 4f out and led entering straight, ridden over 1f out and asserted inside final furlong, kept on well, won at Leopardstown 2m N H flat sft in Feb beating Milan Bound (11-13) by 2 1/2l, 13 ran.
Eight Chimes (FR) 4-1 (11-12) Held up towards rear, headway from 4f out, 3rd 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, strongly pressed final furlong, stayed on well close home, won at Fairyhouse 2m N H flat hvy in Jan beating Mad Brian (11-7) by 1l, 12 ran.
Fredsmemory (IRE) 4-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders, 3rd 2f out, soon no impression under pressure, kept on same pace, 4th of 8, 8l behind Murtys Delight (11-0) at Limerick 2m 3f N H flat hvy in Mar.
Grand Jesture (IRE) 11-4 (11-10) Tracked leaders, 3rd entering straight, soon ridden, kept on same pace in 3rd from 2f out, 3rd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Outlander (11-13) at Naas 2m N H flat in Feb.
The Mighty Milan (IRE) 5-1 (11-11) Tracked leaders in 3rd, 2nd approaching straight, headway to lead 2f out, strongly pressed and headed inside final furlong, kept on same pace under pressure, 2nd of 8, 3/4l behind Bouillabaisse (11-1) at Curragh 2m N H flat gs in May.