chased leader in 2nd and ran freely, challenged 4f out, led 2f out, ridden and disputed entering straight, kept on, headed final 100 yards, no extra close home
led at slow pace, challenged 4f out, ridden and headed 2f out, disputed again entering straight, no extra in 3rd inside final furlong, kept on same pace
held up in rear, 3rd 5f out, ridden 2f out, under pressure in rear entering straight, kept on same pace final furlong
settled 3rd, rear 5f out, ridden over 2f out, 3rd entering straight, stayed on to lead final 100 yards, kept on well close home
Teenager Aubrey McMahon was having just his second ride when steering RIO TREASURE to a comfortable victory at Listowel last month. The filly is only small so the rider's claim is a bonus and she should complete a double. Russian Bill was unfancied at Punchestown and never got involved though he stayed on at the finish suggesting a longer trip and softer going would help. Tycoon Prince showed some promise at Fairyhouse in April and his two half-brothers have both won so he has to be noted in the betting but Theatre Flame is likely to do better when sent over obstacles.
Rio Treasure (IRE) 7-1 (10-7) Settled in rear, raced off pace in 7th 4f out, rapid headway over 1f out, pressed leader 200 yards out, led under 150 yards out, not extended, won at Listowel 2m 4yo NH flat gd in Sep beating Exxaro (11-2) by 3l, 8 ran.
Russian Bill (IRE) 33-1 (11-4) In rear, last halfway, progress into 11th and ridden entering straight, kept on without threatening final furlong, never nearer, 6th of 19, 12l behind Very Much So (10-11) at Punchestown 2m NH flat gd in Apr.
Theatre Flame (IRE) King's Theatre gelding out of Bob's Flame.
Tycoon Prince (IRE) 12-1 (11-1) Held up towards rear, progress into 8th entering straight, ridden in 5th 2f out, close 3rd 1 1/2f out, no impression 1f out, kept on same pace, lost 3rd close home, 4th of 13, 12l behind Moon Racer (11-7) at Fairyhouse 2m NH flat in Apr.
