held up in 4th, closer approaching straight, pushed along in 3rd over 1f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, kept on same pace without really threatening winner
led and soon 4 lengths clear, reduced advantage approaching straight, ridden and headed under 2f out, soon dropped to 4th and no extra inside final furlong
raced in 3rd, closer approaching straight, ridden and headway on outer to lead under 2f out, edged left under pressure inside final furlong, kept on best
tracked leader in 2nd, 4 lengths down halfway, much closer approaching straight, pushed along to challenge early straight, dropped to 3rd and no impression when short of room inside final furlong
This is a very prestigious event, way above it's Listed status, and has been won by some outstanding horses in the past. Dermot Weld always targets the event and has won it four times in recent years so the very useful Sense Of Purpose and the superb mare UNACCOMPANIED look certain to go well. The latter earns the vote here after another cracking effort behind Fame And Glory at Navan and her allowances may just tell against the high-class Saddler's Rock. John Oxx' colt is penalised for his victory in the Group 2 Doncaster Cup in September and, as he hasn't won on either of his opening runs so far, the concession of 10lb to the race-fit mare may just be beyond him. All of the remainder are useful performers but look to have a little to find.
Saddler's Rock (IRE) 11-2 (8-1) Held up towards rear, pushed along over 4f out, headway over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, led last 150 yards, kept on well, won at Doncaster 2m 2f Grp 2 (1) gd in Sep beating Opinion Poll (9-4) by 4l, 7 ran.
Eternal Heart (IRE) 14-1 (9-3) Held up towards rear, headway on inside over 4f out, stayed on to modest 4th inside final 3f, 4th of 16, 20l behind Ile De Re (8-11) at Chester 2m 3f hcp (4yo+) (2) sft in May.
Midnight Soprano (IRE) 14-1 (9-1) Mid-division well off clear leader, ridden into moderate 4th entering straight, went 2nd under pressure 1f out, kept on well to lead on line, won at Curragh 1m 4f hcp gd in May beating Royal Diamond (9-9) by nk, 15 ran.
Unaccompanied (IRE) 11-8 (9-0) Chased leaders in 3rd, headway into 2nd 3f out, ridden to challenge over 1f out, kept on final furlong, no extra close home, 2nd of 7, nk behind Fame And Glory (9-10) at Navan 1m 6f Listed stks (1) gd in May.
Bob Le Beau (IRE) 25-1 (9-3) Chased clear leaders, moderate 5th halfway, never a factor, no extra in 6th under 2f out, 6th of 7, 16l behind Windsor Palace (9-3) at Curragh 1m 2f Grp 3 (1) gs in May.
Sense Of Purpose (IRE) 7-2 (9-4) Led, ridden and headed over 2f out, soon weakened, last of 7, 27l behind Meeznah (9-4) at Doncaster 1m 7f Grp 2 flls (1) gd in Sep.
Royal Diamond (IRE) 13-2 (9-9) Led and clear after 3f, 6 lengths advantage and still travelling well entering straight, ridden 2f out and kept on under pressure, no extra well inside final furlong and headed on line, 2nd of 15, nk behind Midnight Soprano (9-1) at Curragh 1m 4f hcp gd in May.
Steps To Freedom (IRE) 13-2 (9-3) Settled behind leaders in 4th, headway into 3rd 3f out, ridden 2f out, kept on same pace from over 1f out, no extra inside final furlong, 3rd of 7, 3 1/2l behind Fame And Glory (9-10) at Navan 1m 6f Listed stks (1) gd in May.
