always prominent, led before halfway, pushed along entering straight, headed under pressure and dropped to 3rd 1f out, no extra final furlong
towards rear, 8th halfway, went 6th entering straight, soon no impression and kept on one pace
tracked leaders on inner, 4th 5f out, pushed along in 7th entering straight, soon no extra, kept on one pace
led, headed before halfway but remained prominent, 2nd entering straight, soon ridden and no chance with winner final furlong, kept on same pace
tracked leaders on outer, 5th halfway, driven along approaching straight, no impression from 2f out, kept on one pace
tracked leaders, took keen hold, 3rd halfway, 4th entering straight, soon no extra, weakened
always towards rear, in touch until no impression approaching straight, soon weakened
tracked leaders, 4th halfway, smooth headway to challenge entering straight, led 1f out, kept on well, not extended, very easily
always towards rear, driven along approaching straight, soon no extra
Dermot Weld won this last year with Hidden Universe so his Waaheb, who is out of a 1m2f Listed winner, will attract support. Charlie Swan's Rodriguez is related to three winners on the Flat and should certainly have enough pace for this but Eddie Hales has won this three times in recent years and can repeat the process with ANNUS MAXIMUS. The son of Black Sam Bellamy is from a good Flat family in Germany and his trainer, who had a rare handicap winner at Punchestown on New Year's Eve, is given the vote in a race where the market should prove the best guide.
Annus Maximus (GER) Black Sam Bellamy gelding out of Anna Bianca.
Baile Fearainn (IRE) Hawk Wing gelding out of Venetian Pearl.
Billy Congo (IRE) Zagreb gelding out of Delicate Child.
Crystal Swing Trade Fair gelding out of Due West.
River Slaney (IRE) Classic Cliche gelding out of Hadaani.
Rodriguez (IRE) High Chaparral gelding out of Sofia Aurora.
Tara's Boy (IRE) Namid gelding out of Talahari.
Toca Deed (IRE) Kadeed gelding out of Toca Noca Lass.
Waaheb (USA) Elusive Quality gelding out of Nafisah.
Gopauludski (IRE) Pilsudski filly out of Newrath Belle.
Kauto Mill Rose (FR) Bonbon Rose filly out of Kauto D'ebene.
