led, pushed along under 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on well under pressure, held on
held up in rear, ridden in 7th entering straight, stayed on strongly final furlong into 3rd close home
settled 4th early, 5th halfway, pushed along under 3f out, 5th 1f out, kept on same pace
prominent, 2nd halfway,under pressure in 3rd under 2f out, weakened final furlong
held up in rear early, progress on outer into 3rd after 3f, ridden along 2f out, 2nd 1f out, kept on, just failed
tracked leader in 3rd, 4th halfway, pushed along over 2f out, bit short of room in 6th over 1f out and eased
rear, 6th halfway, pushed along under 3f out, ridden in 5th over 2f out, kept on without reaching leaders
Aidan O'Brien and Dermot Weld has farmed this between them in recent years. The former is represented by PALACE, who gets the vote as she showed the benefit of a quiet introduction behind today's rival Waltzing Matilda on this track with an impressive victory at Navan. Afternoon Sunlight runs for the Weld yard and she could hardly have been more impressive in a Limerick maiden, though this opposition is very much stronger. John Oxx is doubly represented but Harry's Princess was caught a bit flat-footed in a Group 3 over 7f here in March, though should be suited by the extra furlong. But Declan McDonogh prefers the impressive Dundalk winner Stars So Bright, who isn't engaged in the classics and nor is the Curragh winner Booker, who takes a step up in trip. Ballybacka Queen looks just below this class though she may well have improved over the winter.
Afternoon Sunlight (IRE) 13-8fav (9-0) Led, headed over 5f out, led again early straight, stayed on well to draw clear inside final furlong, easily, won at Limerick 1m 3yo fll mdn in Apr beating Achnaha (9-0) by 5l, 10 ran.
Ballybacka Queen (IRE) 25-1 (8-12) Bumped start, soon led, headed over 2f out, rallied over 1f out, soon weakened, last of 8, 16l behind Chriselliam (8-12) at Newmarket 1m 2yo fll Grp 1 (1) gf in Sep.
Booker 9-4fav (9-0) Soon tracked leaders, closed travelling smoothly from 2f out, close 3rd 1f out, ridden to lead from over 50yds out, snugly, won at Curragh 6f 3yo fll stks in Apr beating Ella's Delight (9-9) by 1l, 9 ran.
Harry's Princess (IRE) 12-1 (9-0) Tracked leader in 2nd, led briefly early straight, ridden and headed 1 1/2f out, no extra inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 2 1/2l behind Bracelet (9-0) at Leopardstown 7f 3yo fll Grp 3 (1) in Mar.
Palace (IRE) 4-6fav (9-0) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, progress into 3rd over 2f out, ridden to lead 1f out and kept on well inside final furlong, won at Navan 1m 3yo fll stks sft in Apr beating Gorteo (9-0) by 5l, 7 ran.
Stars So Bright (IRE) 7-1 (9-0) Chased leaders and took keen hold early, headway on inner to lead 2f out, soon ridden clear, stayed on well final furlong, easily, won at Dundalk 1m 3yo mdn fll pol in Apr beating Sea Coast (9-0) by 2 1/4l, 8 ran.
Waltzing Matilda (IRE) 3-1 (9-0) Tracked leaders, 3rd entering straight and ridden to challenge 1f out, kept on and edged left under pressure final 50 yards, led on line, won at Leopardstown 1m 3yo fll mdn hvy in Apr beating Miss Gally Rio (9-0) by ns, 7 ran.
Spirited (IRE) 5-4fav (9-0) Led early, soon headed and 3rd halfway, ridden to go 2nd 1f out, no chance with easy winner inside final furlong, kept on one pace, 2nd of 7, 7l behind Sereza (9-0) at Gowran Park 1m 1f 3yo fll stks in Apr.
Suite (IRE) 33-1 (8-12) Dwelt and held up in rear, checked briefly in last at halfway, no impression under pressure straight, last of 9, 8l behind Prince Of All (9-3) at Dundalk 7f 3yo Listed stks (1) pol in Apr.
