disputed lead early, soon chased leaders, 5th approaching halfway, switched right 2f out, challenged and on terms over 1f out, gained narrow lead inside final furlong, kept on well to just prevail
soon led, joined over 3f out, soon pushed along, headed under 1f out, soon came close with rival and one pace
pushed along briefly early and disputed lead, prominent, 2nd approaching halfway, on terms over 3f out, pushed along before straight, headed 1 1/2f out between horses, soon no extra and one pace
a little uneasy in stalls, soon tracked leaders, 4th approaching halfway, headway on inner from 2f out, on terms 1f out, narrowly headed inside final furlong, kept on well, just denied
pushed along early and slightly impeded, towards rear, 7th approaching halfway, pushed along again over 3f out, effort straight, kept on same pace without threatening final furlong
soon tracked leaders, 3rd approaching halfway, on terms over 3f out, still travelling smoothly straight, ridden and headed from 1f out, soon came close with rival and one pace
waited with, soon in rear, pushed along under 3f out, soon under pressure and kept on same pace from over 1f out
pushed along early, soon chased leaders, 6th approaching halfway, pushed along again and effort from 2f out, kept on without matching principals final furlong
Gerry's Way won a course and distance maiden and started favourite for a handicap at Bellewstown last week but didn't appear to appreciate the quicker conditions. The veteran Avalanche is on a long losing run but has slipped to a very fare mark accordingly and will love the fast going. RAPHAEL (NAP) was in very good form in a light campaign last summer and caught the eye on his reappearance at Naas last month. Chris Hayes replaces an apprentice and his mount gets the nod. Minnie Haha is still a maiden and faces quick ground for the first time while Merited thrived in soft conditions at Ballinrobe last week and could find this a bit short. Phoenix Open arrives with a penalty for Sunday's victory in a Limerick maiden while Dance Alone found 5f much too short at Bellewstown on Friday having been narrowly beaten over this trip there two days earlier.
Raphael (GER) 9-1 (10-0) Mid-division on outer, 7th halfway, pushed along 2f out and some headway over 1f out, kept on one pace inside final furlong, 6th of 10, 1 3/4l behind Frosty Beach (8-5) at Naas 1m hcp gd in Jun.
Minnie Haha (FR) 9-4 (9-2) Tracked leaders, 3rd 4f out and headway to challenge 3f out, 4th and pushed along 2f out, ridden and no impression over 1f out, no extra, 4th of 12, 15 3/4l behind Latoyah Of North (9-2) at Down Royal 1m 2f mdn Good - Yielding in May.
Merited (IRE) 4-1 (9-5) Dwelt, soon improved to chase leaders, close up and disputed briefly after 4f, 2nd halfway, disputed again 4f out, ridden to narrow lead 1 1/2f out, strongly pressed again inside final furlong, kept on well close home to hold on, won at Ballinrobe 1m 2f hcp Yielding - Soft in Jun beating Greenpanda (8-10) by hd, 7 ran.
Phoenix Open (USA) 7-2jfav (9-5) Tracked leaders on outer, 5th halfway, pushed along under 2f out out and ridden to go 2nd 1f out, kept on well inside final furlong to lead close home, won at Limerick 1m mdn gd in Jul beating Myth Creation (9-9) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
Gerry's Way (IRE) 2-1fav (9-7) Soon mid-division, ridden in 7th over 2f out, stayed on into moderate 4th 1f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 4th of 9, 7 1/4l behind Jupiter Road (9-12) at Bellewstown 1m hcp gd in Jul.
Dance Alone 4-1fav (9-8) Soon raced in 10th, headway and effort from 2f out, one pace 1f out, 11th of 15, 8 1/2l behind Sweetest Taboo (8-11) at Bellewstown 5f hcp gd in Jul.
Paperback Writer (IRE) 25-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders on outer, pushed along and no extra after 3 out, weakened, 13th of 14, dist behind Princess Vega (11-0) at Tramore 2m mdn gd in May.
Avalanche 14-1 (9-12) Mid-division and 7th from halfway, pushed along from 3f out and ridden in 5th over 1f out, kept on into 4th inside final furlong, not threatening principals, 4th of 18, 2 1/2l behind Wilderness (9-11) at Cork 1m hcp Good - Yielding in Jun.
