soon tracked leader in 2nd, pushed along to lead entering straight, ridden1 1/2f out, under pressure and headed 1f out, kept on same pace, dropped to 4th close home
towards rear, 7th halfway, pushed along over 2f out, ridden 1 1/2f out, improved to 5th 1f out, stayed on well final furlong to 3rd close home, never nearer
held up in rear, 8th halfway, pushed along in 7th approaching straight, 6th 2f out, ridden inside final furlong, no impression, kept on same pace
raced 3rd, pushed along approaching straight, ridden 1 1/2f out, improved to lead narrowly 1f out, stayed on well, driven out
broke well to lead, 2 lengths clear halfway, headed entering straight, driven 1 1/2f out, 3rd 1f out, kept on same pace, dropped to 5th closing stages
held up 4th, 5th halfway, pushed along approaching straight, ridden in 4th 1 1/2f out, stayed on strongly 1f out to 2nd close home, nearest finish
soon 5th, 4th halfway, pushed along 2 1/2f out, ridden under 2f out, dropped to 7th 1f out, no extra
towards rear, 6th halfway, pushed along and dropped to 8th 3f out, ridden entering straight, no impression
Aidan O'Brien had nine of the original 13 entries and has four engaged. Ryan Moore is on board Shogun and he's the type to improve a great deal now tackling a more suitable trip as he was staying on in the Craven Stakes last month. IDAHO, a brother to Highland Reel, didn't appear to appreciate the very heavy ground when runner-up in the Ballysax here but the better ground should aid his cause and he could prove best of the Ballydoyle contingent so gets the verdict. Moonlight Magic was a long way behind in the Ballysax but Jim Bolger wouldn't be bringing him here unless though capable of a big performance. Tirmizi has been touted for the Derby since his maiden victory here in October but Ventura Storm has the better form in the book having landed a Listed contest at Newmarket for Richard Hannon.
Beacon Rock (IRE) 8-1 (9-3) Soon close up in 2nd, reminder under 3f out, on terms from before straight, soon led but quickly joined, headed 1 1/2f out, no impression 1f out, 3rd of 7, 8 3/4l behind Harzand (9-3) at Leopardstown 1m 2f Grp 3 stks (1) hvy in Apr.
Idaho (IRE) 8-1 (9-3) A little uneasy in stalls, in rear, pushed along under 3f out, soon headway, challenged 2f out, led 1 1/2f out, headed and kept on same pace from 100yds out, 2nd of 7, 1 1/4l behind Harzand (9-3) at Leopardstown 1m 2f Grp 3 stks (1) hvy in Apr.
Lieutenant General (IRE) 5-1 (9-5) Held up in rear, ridden in 4th 2f out, no impression 1f out, kept on closing stages of final furlong, 4th of 5, 1 3/4l behind Mint Chai (9-7) at Gowran Park 1m 1f gd in Apr.
Moonlight Magic 3-1 (9-3) Tracked leaders, soon 4th, pushed along under 3f out in 3rd, challenged straight, no extra from over 1f out, 5th of 7, 14 1/2l behind Harzand (9-3) at Leopardstown 1m 2f Grp 3 stks (1) hvy in Apr.
Saafarr 20-1 (9-5) Tracked leaders, pushed along from 3f out, no impression 2f out in 2nd, one pace, 2nd of 11, 9l behind The Gurkha (9-5) at Navan 1m mdn Soft - Heavy in Apr.
Shogun (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, pushed along 3f out, chased leader and carried head high over 2f out, slightly outpaced over 1f out, rallied inside final furlong went 3rd near finish, 3rd of 6, 4l behind Stormy Antarctic (9-0) at Newmarket 1m Grp 3 stks (1) gs in Apr.
Tirmizi (FR) 4-1 (9-5) Tracked leaders, soon 5th, 4th 2f out, progress to chase leader 1f out, led inside final furong, stayed on well, won at Leopardstown 1m mdn gd in Oct beating Reckless Gold (9-5) by 1/2l, 14 ran.
Ventura Storm (AUS) 15-8fav (9-0) Tracked leader, led entering final 2f, ridden over 1f out, found extra inside final when pressed, gamely, won at Newmarket 1m 1f stks (1) gs in Apr beating Mustajeer (9-0) by 1 1/4l, 4 ran.
