mid-division early, dropped to rear halfway, weakened from 4 out
held up behind leaders, ridden from 4 out, soon weakened
disputed lead, left in lead at 3rd, slight mistake next, joined 4 out, led again next, soon ridden, headed and slight mistake at last, no impression on winner run-in
held up in rear, slight mistake 5 out, headway 3 out, improved into 2nd travelling well 2 out, ridden to lead at last, stayed on well, comfortably
disputed lead, fell 3rd
tracked leaders, 3rd 4 out, ridden next, no impression from 2 out
tracked leaders, 5th 5 out, progress on outer after next, ridden in 4th 3 out, no impression
disputed lead, headed 3rd, disputed lead again 4 out, headed and ridden next, weakened from 2 out
held up in rear, progress on outer 3 out, ridden and went 3rd next, kept on same pace run-in
The four-year-old Polished Rock showed his liking for fast ground when landing a Gowran maiden last month and though well beaten on the Flat since he enters the equation. Wood Breizh followed his maiden victory at Tramore with a very poor run in a handicap on this track and has been given a break while Mumbo Bay was having only his second run over timber when making most at Gowran and looks certain to make further progress. Brian's Express gained a surprise victory at Kilbeggan and this is much tougher but Empresario gained an impressive victory at Down Royal and there's more to come. SHIELD was slightly disappointing at Bellewstown after finishing first past the post at Wexford only to be disqualified. He stays further than today's distance but with so many front-runners the pace should be quick and he can come fast and late to snatch the spoils.
Brian's Express (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders, on terms from 3 out, led before straight, slight stumble 2 out, reduced lead and holding on at the finish, won at Kilbeggan 2m mdn hdl gd in Jun beating Bashful Beauty (11-4) by 1/2l, 14 ran.
Empresario (IRE) 4-1 (11-5) Soon tracked leaders, took keen hold, pushed along after 4 out, hampered 3 out, not fluent and impeded 2 out, led last, soon clear and stayed on well, comfortably, won at Down Royal 2m gf in Jun beating Captain Carleton (11-4) by 3 1/2l, 13 ran.
Mumbo Bay (IRE) 4-1 (11-12) Led, joined from 5th, ridden and led again entering straight, jumped right and not fluent at last, kept on well run-in, won at Gowran Park 2m mdn hdl gd in Jun beating Ellaway Rose (11-0) by 2 3/4l, 11 ran.
Shield (IRE) 2-1fav (11-6) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, 3rd 5 out, progress into 2nd 3 out, soon ridden and switched out to challenge before 2 out, no extra run-in, kept on same pace, 3rd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Aranhill Chief (11-6) at Bellewstown 2m 4f hdl gf.
Equity Swap (IRE) 8-1 (11-12) Prominent, not fluent 2nd and 4th, 4th approaching straight, no impression and kept on same pace from before last, 4th of 25, 5l behind Cape Glory (11-4) at Punchestown 2m 4f mdn hdl in Jun.
Polished Rock (IRE) 3-1 (11-0) Tracked leader in 2nd, ridden to lead 2 out, stayed on well run-in, won at Gowran Park 2m 4yo hdl gd in Jun beating Mizyen (11-0) by 2 1/4l, 5 ran.
Supreme Doc (IRE) 25-1 (10-9) Mid-division, progress into 4th 4 out, ridden in 5th entering straight, no extra 2 out, 12th of 15, 34l behind Orpheus Valley (10-5) at Punchestown 2m 4f hcp chs in Apr.
Wood Breizh (FR) 6-1 (10-1) Soon mid-division, under pressure from 4 out, dropped behind and eased straight, completely tailed off, 13th of 15, well behind Pivot Bridge (9-7) at Killarney 2m 1f hcp hdl in May.
The Visitor (IRE) 12-1 (11-0) Held up in 3rd, ridden after 2 out, 2nd last, kept on same pace run-in, no impression on winner, 2nd of 3, 2l behind Indian Icon (11-10) at Bellewstown 2m 1f 4yo nov hdl gd.
