tracked leaders, not fluent 1st, slight mistake 5 out, ridden in 3rd after 2 out, staying on in closer 3rd when slight mistake last, kept on to go 2nd final 50 yards, not reach winner
tracked leaders, not fluent 1st and 2nd, slight mistake 3 out and pushed along after, ridden and no impression after 2 out
led until joined 4th, headed next, pushed along and led again before last, ridden and kept on well run-in, pressed close home, held on
held up in rear, slight mistake 3rd, not fluent 4 out, ridden and no impression after 2 out
tracked leader, raced keenly, disputed from 4th and led 5th, pushed along and headed before last, ridden and kept on run-in until no impression and dropped to 3rd final 50 yards
Metal Man likes plenty of give in the ground and bounced back to form at Bellewstown where he had Royal Aide 11 lengths behind. Conditions will be in his favour and, as a four-year-old, he has more scope than stable companion Soldiers Hill, who has yet to prove he handles these conditions. Oscar Montel was heavily supported for a 3m Limerick maiden and duly obliged but was put in his place when tackling novice company at Killarney. Friary Rock started a short-priced favourite when a long way behind Royal Aide at Sligo but proved that run all wrong when dropping back to 2m5f and scoring easily on a return visit. FLEMINGS DREAM was having only her second start over timber when gaining an impressive course and distance victory last month and an allowance could prove all-important for Ray Cody's mare.
Friary Rock (FR) 4-1 (11-6) Chased leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden and under pressure before 2 out, stayed on to press leader last, led run-in and kept on well closing stages to assert, won at Sligo 2m 5f mdn gd in Aug beating Talk Of The Town (12-0) by 6 1/2l, 11 ran.
Oscar Montel (IRE) 6-1 (11-6) Impeded start, soon chased leaders, pushed along briefly approaching 6th where slight mistake and pushed along again, soon not go with leaders and no danger, kept on same pace without threatening straight, 3rd of 5, dist behind Jon Snow (11-9) at Killarney 2m 7f sft in Aug.
Metal Man (IRE) 33-1 (10-13) Tracked leaders, progress to 4th after 3 out, ridden in 2nd and no impression when not fluent last, kept on one pace, 2nd of 10, 3 3/4l behind Ballycastle Girl (10-6) at Bellewstown 3m hcp sft in Aug.
Royal Aide (IRE) 4-1 (10-10) Chased leaders, progress to dispute 3 out, headed 2 out, no impression in 3rd before last, kept on one pace, 4th close home, 4th of 10, 14 1/2l behind Ballycastle Girl (10-6) at Bellewstown 3m hcp sft in Aug.
Flemings Dream (IRE) 5-2fav (10-13) Towards rear, progress to 6th after 4 out, 3rd 2 out, improved to lead approaching straight, asserted before last where jumped left, kept on well, easily, won at Kilbeggan 3m 1f mdn sft in Aug beating Raleagh Flora (11-6) by 15l, 14 ran.
Soldiers Hill (IRE) 4-1 (12-1) Tracked leaders, disputed lead 4 out, led next, ridden and headed 2 out, soon no impression, 6th of 12, 14 3/4l behind Basil's Boy (11-2) at Downpatrick 2m 6f hcp gd in Aug.
