tracked leaders, progess into 2nd entering straight, led on outer 2f out, soon ridden, kept on well final furlong
held up in touch, progress into 3rd entering straight, ridden in close 2nd 2f out, strongly pressed winner 1 1/2f out, no extra inside final furlong
tracked leaders, 3rd 3f out, soon ridden and no impression, behind when eased final furlong
led, ran wide off 1st bend after 2f and headed, disputed lead from halfway, led 5f out, ridden entering straight, headed 2f out, soon weakened
held up in rear, ridden entering straight, 4th 1 1/2f out, kept on same pace
tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden in 4th 3f out, no extra
prominent, led after 2f, joined halfway, headed 5f out, ridden 4f out, soon weakened
held up in rear, effort 3f out, soon no impression, behind when eased final furlong, tailed off
Espresso Lady had shown a little bit of promise on her opening runs and she was well supported to make it third time lucky at Navan where she was an impressive winner over Shadow Eile. She should be ready for this but will need to be as the opposition looks strong. Kick For Touch couldn't quite hold on at Cork after an easy victory on quicker ground at Roscommon but Joxer showed real battling qualities to score at Punchestown and will have come on for the experience. Moscow Mannon had shown potential at Down Royal before scoring at Galway and is another with prospects but it's MOONEY'S COTTAGE who gets the nod as he led for most of the way before passed by well regarded Are Yer Right Chief over a slightly longer trip here last month.
Moscow Mannon (IRE) 5-1 (11-7) Prominent at slow pace, travelling well and on terms over 2f out, soon led, joined and strongly pressed final furlong, stayed on best to edge ahead near finish, won at Galway 2m N H flat gd in Jul beating Robin Angevin (12-0) by nk, 15 ran.
Joxer (IRE) 12-1 (11-3) Chased leaders, 6th halfway, headway into 4th 3f out, ridden in 3rd 2f out, stayed on to challenge 1f out, disputed inside final furlong, led close home, won at Punchestown 2m N H flat in Oct beating Mount Colah (11-7) by hd, 12 ran.
Kick For Touch 11-10fav (11-11) Tracked leaders, 4th halfway, good headway approaching straight, led over 2f out, ridden and strongly pressed inside final furlong, no extra and headed closing stages, 2nd of 8, 1/2l behind At Fishers Cross (10-11) at Cork 2m N H flat in Nov.
Espresso Lady (IRE) 3-1fav (11-2) Always prominent, 2nd and clear of remainder, led halfway, asserted from 2f out, ridden and kept on well final furlong, won at Navan 2m N H flat sft in Mar beating Shadow Eile (11-2) by 9l, 15 ran.
Fairy Rath (IRE) 7-1 (11-11) Towards rear early, moderate 9th and no impression from 7f out, kept on same pace, 9th of 19, well behind Just For Joe (12-0) at Cork 2m 3f N H flat gd in Apr.
Fourinone (IRE) Saddlers' Hall gelding out of Queen Plaisir.
Mooney's Cottage (IRE) 14-1 (12-0) Attempted to make all, ridden to assert over 2f out, reduced advantage 1f out, headed final 150 yards, no extra closing stages, kept on same pace, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Are Ya Right Chief (12-0) at Fairyhouse 2m 2f N H flat sft in Nov.
Ziff (IRE) Zagreb gelding out of Pollys Leader.
Lough Roe Lady (IRE) 7-1 (11-0) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, ridden in 5th 3f out, 6th under pressure 2f out, kept on same pace from over 1f out, 4th of 14, 17l behind Monksland (11-11) at Down Royal 2m N H flat sft in Nov.
