mid-division, towards rear after 3rd, 4th after 9th, improved to 3rd at 10th, 4th 4 out, 3rd 3 out, under pressure after 2 out, stayed on in 2nd closing stages, not trouble winner
led, jumped right at 3rd, headed at 10th, disputed 4 out, headed 3 out, no impression on leader before last, dropped to 3rd closing stages, no extra
tracked leader in 2nd, led narrowly at 10th, disputed 4 out, led 3 out, asserted before last, kept on well, easily
towards rear, ran freely and progress to mid-division after 3rd, 3rd after 9th, 4th at 10th where not fluent, dropped to 5th at 11th, detached after 4 out, weakened after 2 out, tailed off
in rear, not fluent at 1st and 6th, slight mistake at 9th, improved to 4th at 11th, 3rd 4 out, 4th 3 out where slight mistake, no extra after 2 out
BAPTISM OF FIRE was having only his second start over fences when beating the smart Bacardys over slightly shorter at Kilbeggan so should improve again. The winner's yard is represented by Egality Mans, who was staying on in a 2m5f Grade A Punchestown handicap last time. Max Flamingo beat Bacardys just under a length at Thurles before a fine effort in the Irish National and looks certain to be thereabouts. Old Town Garde may not have been suited by heavy ground in a beginners' race at Cork last time.
Baptism Of Fire (IRE) 6-1 (11-12) Mid-division, headway into 4th 4 out, close 4th on inner next, pushed along after 2 out, ridden in 2nd at last, led after last stayed on well inside final furlong, won at Kilbeggan 2m 6f Good - Yielding in Apr beating Bacardys (11-12) by 2l, 10 ran.
Egality Mans (FR) 6-1 (10-1) In rear, slight mistake 1st, closer in 8th 3 out, ridden in 7th next, 5th at last, kept on without threatening leaders, 4th of 13, 9 1/4l behind Royal Rendezvous (11-12) at Punchestown 2m 5f hcp Good - Yielding in Apr.
Max Flamingo (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Mid-division, 10th halfway, 9th 5 out, pushed along entering straight, 6th and ridden before last, kept on one pace, 7th of 27, 8 3/4l behind Lord Lariat (10-5) at Fairyhouse 3m 5f hcp Yielding in Apr.
Magnium (IRE) 150-1 (12-0) Mid-division, no extra approaching 3 out, soon no extra and pulled up early straight, at Naas 2m 3f Yielding in Dec.
Old Town Garde (IRE) 14-1 (11-12) Mid-division, moderate 6th and slight mistake 9th, no impression before 4 out, kept on one pace, 5th of 14, 22 3/4l behind Grand Paradis (11-12) at Cork 2m 4f hvy in Apr.
Grand Paradis (FR) 15-8 (11-12) Tracked leader and keen hold, led after 2nd, asserted 2 out, ridden before last, kept on well, won at Cork 2m 4f hvy in Apr beating Aione (11-12) by 2 3/4l, 14 ran.
