CITY SLICKER will start a short-priced favourite after an impressive bumper victory here last month and will take all the beating. To The Sky has plenty of experience but looks moderate so Henry De Bromhead's superbly-bred newcomer Juan De Gracia, who cost 80,000 euros, looks a better alternative. Castle Genie hasn't taken to fences on her last two starts while Mad Brian was engaged in a much better race at Naas yesterday.
Bold Owenie (IRE) 50-1 (11-1) Led early, headed after 2nd, chased clear leader when mistake 4th, towards rear after halfway and no threat from 4 out, 10th of 12, 49l behind Third Opinion (10-13) at Down Royal 2m mdn hdl hvy in Dec.
Juan De Gracia (IRE) Milan gelding out of So Supreme.
Mad Brian (IRE) 9-2 (11-7) Mid-division, headway into 2nd 2f out, soon ridden, kept on well in 2nd final furlong, 2nd of 12, 1l behind Eight Chimes (11-12) at Fairyhouse 2m N H flat hvy.
Sylar's Quest (IRE) Daggers Drawn gelding out of Manucrin.
Whatwillwedonext (IRE) 50-1 (11-9) Mid-division, weakened from 4 out, last of 15, well behind Don Cossack (11-12) at Navan 2m mdn hdl hvy in Nov.
City Slicker (IRE) 10-11fav (11-9) Mid-division, progress into 4th travelling well 2f out, ridden to lead 1 1/2f out, stayed on well final furlong, comfortably, won at Fairyhouse 2m 4yo nhf hvy in Dec beating Lady Of Glencoe (10-9) by 8l, 13 ran.
Rudolf (IRE) 16-1 (11-3) Never better than well off the pace in mid-division, 11th of 16, well behind Benevolent (11-4) at Fairyhouse 2m mdn hdl in Oct.
To The Sky (IRE) 9-2 (11-10) Led, clear with 2nd 5 out, reduced advantage entering straight, ridden and headed 3 out, soon no extra and kept on one pace, 6th of 18, 44l behind Blissful Moment (11-12) at Navan 2m mdn hdl hvy.
Castle Genie (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) In rear, no impression from 3 out, 6th of 10, well behind Charlie's Vic (11-0) at Naas 2m 3f mrs beg chs.
Station Closed (IRE) Kutub mare out of Laser Supreme.
