chased leader, close up halfway, pushed along 3f out, ridden over 2f out, under pressure in 3rd entering straight, 5th 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
held up towards rear early, 5th halfway, ridden 2f out, kept on to 3rd 1f out, no impression leaders final furlong, kept on same pace
chased leaders, niggled along in 4th halfway, ridden into 2nd 2f out, kept on final furlong to press winner close home, just failed
settled behind leaders early, towards rear halfway, ridden 2f out, no impression in rear entering straight, kept on same pace final furlong
held up towards rear, ridden under 2f out, 6th 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
dwelt, soon settled behind leaders, closer in 3rd halfway, ridden in 4th 2f out, no impression over 1f out, no extra final furlong
made all, ridden entering straight, kept on final furlong, strongly pressed close home and all out, just held on
Dermot Weld won this fours years in a row before the party was spoiled last season. He has entered the newcomer PIRATE COVE this time and with the opposition looking moderate another success for the stable looks on the cards. Sister Slew has had her chances and may have to wait for a handicap to get off the mark but Our Max ran well for a 66/1 chance at Leopardstown and looks a threat. Fulminata showed only modest form in her two starts in October but with her yard in unstoppable form she has to come into the reckoning.
Knockea (IRE) 20-1 (9-5) Slowly into stride, towards rear and soon pushed along, ridden and no impression halfway, 10th of 14, 13l behind True Verdict (9-0) at Navan 6f mdn stks in May.
Our Max 66-1 (9-5) Dwelt and towards rear, went 6th entering straight and some headway over 1f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong to go 4th final 100 yards, 4th of 9, 3l behind Goddess Of Love (8-7) at Leopardstown 1m mdn stks gf.
Tax Reform (IRE) 25-1 (9-5) Rear of mid-division, pushed along in 7th 2f out, kept on without threatening, 5th of 10, 5l behind Harpist (9-0) at Down Royal 7f mdn stks gf.
Fulminata (IRE) 11-1 (9-0) Chased leaders, ridden and no impression over 2f out, 6th of 11, 10l behind Pop Art (9-0) at Naas 6f 2yo fll mdn hvy in Oct.
Keep Straight (IRE) 25-1 (9-0) Slowly into stride and trailing, no impression straight, last of 10, 36l behind Violet Hour (9-0) at Naas 1m fll mdn stks gf.
Pirate Cove (IRE) Lawman filly out of Uncharted Haven.
Sister Slew (IRE) 11-2 (9-0) Led, ridden 2f out, headed over 1f out, weakened final furlong, 4th of 7, 5l behind Cocktail Hour (9-0) at Killarney 1m mdn stks gf.
