dwelt, soon led, 12 lengths clear after 4f, extended advantage after halfway and in command from over 4f out, stayed on well in straight, not extended
led early, chased clear leader in moderate 2nd, pushed along and dropped to rear 3f out, weakened
held up in rear well off pace, pushed along to go moderate 2nd entering straight, ridden and no impression on easy winner over 1f out
WICKLOW BRAVE is a cut above today’s opposition though his starting price will reflect that fact. Willie Mullins’ charge arrives in fine form having landed the odds with the minimum of fuss on his last couple of outings and is clear of stablemate Mary Sun on these terms despite conceding plenty of weight. Benkei has been hurdling and hasn’t won on the Flat for some time while Verney Boy has an impossible task at the weights but will pick up prize money for finishing fourth.
Wicklow Brave 1-6fav (9-9) Tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, headway travelling well to lead over 3f out, pushed along to assert over 1f out, kept on well, comfortably, won at Galway 1m 6f sft in Aug beating Morga (9-0) by 3 1/2l, 5 ran.
Verney Boy (IRE) 66-1 (11-7) Led and soon clear, reduced advantage halfway and headed approaching straight, pushed along and soon lost place, ridden and no extra 2f out, weakened, 10th of 12, 27 1/2l behind Top Othe Ra (11-7) at Leopardstown 1m 7f mdn gf in Jun.
Mary Sun (FR) 33-1 (9-12) Held up, no impression in last approaching straight, 10th of 11, 11 1/2l behind Law Girl (9-7) at Gowran Park 1m 4f hcp gf in Aug.
Benkei (IRE) 22-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, switched right and hit rail after 2nd, 8th halfway, pushed along before 2 out, no impression when slight hampered last, no extra run-in, 9th of 20, 34 1/4l behind Low Sun (10-9) at Galway 2m 7f hcp Yielding - Soft in Aug.