off pace in last, no impression straight, last when bumper rail and eased down final furlong
raced in 4th, pushed along to hold place before halfway, closer order in 3rd entering straight, soon ridden to go 2nd, no impression on leader 1 1/2f out, dropped to 3rd inside final furlong
chased leaders, ridden in 4th entering straight, no impression from 2f out
chased leaders in 5th, ridden straight, moderate 4th under 2f out, soon switched to outer, stayed on well into 2nd without threatening winner inside final furlong
made all, ridden from 1 1/2f out, stayed on well final furlong, comfortably
chased leaders, 4th 3f out, ridden in 3rd under 2f out, no extra final furlong
Aidan O'Brien saddles both Petronius Maximus and HIGH RULER with preference for the latter. The former is son of Holy Roman emperor and didn't show much on his debut behind Head Space at Naas but looked in need of the run and will have come on. High Ruler is a half-brother to a couple of middle-distance winners and out of Oaks heroine Lady Carla who he will certainly be suited by further in time though should be sharp enough for this. Jim Bolger is also doubly represented with Ceist Nua, the first foal of a moderate miler, and Whipless, the mount of Kevin Manning and a half-brother to a winning Irish juvenile. The Reaper showed good pace for a long way in what appeared to be a strong maiden at Tipperary and was eased when his chance had gone while Stoichkhov and Triple Eight will have benefited from the experience gained on their opening efforts
Ceist Nua (IRE) Bachelor Duke colt out of Groves Royal.
Petronius Maximus (IRE) 7-2 (9-3) Tracked leader in 2nd, 3rd from 2f out, no impression from 1f out, kept on one pace, 3rd of 7, 6l behind Head Space (9-3) at Naas 5f 2yo mdn gd in Apr.
Stoichkhov (IRE) 33-1 (9-3) Chased leaders in 6th, no impression from 1 1/2f out, 8th of 11, 7l behind High Award (9-3) at Curragh 5f 2yo mdn sft in Mar.
The Reaper (IRE) 10-1 (9-3) Close up on outer early, dropped to 5th halfway, no extra from over 1 1/2f out, eased inside final furlong, 5th of 6, 9l behind Mr Mojito (9-3) at Tipperary 5f 2yo mdn in Apr.
Triple Eight (IRE) 10-1 (9-3) Dwelt slightly, always behind, 9th of 11, 11l behind Clondinnery (9-3) at Curragh 6f 2yo mdn.
Whipless (IRE) Whipper colt out of Kimola.
High Ruler (USA) Mr Greeley colt out of Lady Carla.