close up in 2nd, disputed before halfway, led 4f out, ridden to assert over 1f out, kept on strongly, impressive
held up behind leaders in 3rd, ridden into 2nd over 2f out, no impression on winner over 1f out, lost 2nd inside final furlong
led and pressed, disputed before halfway, ridden and headed 4f out, under pressure in 3rd entering straight, soon no extra
held up, mainly 4th, ridden in rear 4f out, soon no impression and weakened
held up in rear, ridden in 4th 4f out, no impression entering straight, stayed on final furlong to go 2nd
Willie Mullins has won five of the last seven and should have no problems gaining victory number six. Rio Treasure has won twice under today's rider before being sent to Ascot for a Listed bumper where Ruby Walsh steered him into third place. That's very strong form and he receives 4lb, plus rider's allowance, from STONE HARD but Patrick Mullins' mount, who cost Gigginstown 215,000 euros after his victory between the flags at Oldtown, is reportedly at the head of his trainer's vast army of bumper horses and there will be some long faces if he's beaten. The remainder are probably playing for third prize but Ballybryan has a nice pedigree, being a full brother to the useful bumper winner Yes Sir Brian, and is one to keep an eye on for the future.
Stone Hard (IRE) 4-7fav (11-9) Chased leaders, 5th early, 4th 3f out, closed up on outer travelling smoothly into straight, led 1 1/2f out, pushed out and stayed on well inside final furlong, easily, won at Fairyhouse 2m 4yo NH flat sft in Dec beating Rock N Rhythm (11-4) by 4l, 11 ran.
Rio Treasure (IRE) 3-1 (10-11) Held up in rear, headway over 2f out, ridden and went modest 3rd over 1f out, no chance with 1st 2, 3rd of 13, 13l behind Supasundae (11-4) at Ascot 2m Listed NH flat (1) sft in Dec.
Ballybryan (IRE) Brian Boru gelding out of Ochto Lass.
Three Oscars (IRE) 5-1 (12-0) Mid div, 5th 1/2way, rdn in fair 4th 4out, qckly lst plc & pu 3out, in a race won by Hill Rock (12-0) at Tattersalls Farm 3m ire ptp gf in May '13, 12 ran.
Shady Rondo (IRE) Robin Des Pres mare out of Louisas Dream.
