raced off pace in 5th, took closer order before 3rd, moderate 5th 4 out, progress to moderate 3rd before 3 out, headway 2 out, led narrowly before last, ridden and ran on strongly run-in
towards rear, moderate 6th 4 out, not fluent 3 out, moderate 5th 2 out, weakened before last, never a factor
led, pressed at 6th, increased advantage after 3 out, reduced advantage 2 out, headed before last, ridden and kept on same pace, no chance with winner
raced off pace in 4th, took closer order before 3rd, moderate 3rd 4 out, moderate 4th before 3 out, headway 2 out, under pressure in 3rd before last where not fluent, one paced
raced off pace in 3rd, took closer order before 3rd, moderate 4th 4 out, dropped to moderate 5th before 3 out, weakened before 2 out
tracked leader in clear 2nd, challenged leader at 6th, closed 2 out, dropped to 4th and weakened before last
in rear, not fluent at 1st, moderate 7th 4 out, weakened and detached before 3 out, never a factor, pulled up before last
Darrens Hope, who was engaged in the 12.25 at Limerick yesterday, looked one to follow when completing a double in a Cork Listed contest and wasn't right in a Grade 3 there earlier this month. Willie Mullins has won the last four of these and has three entered with Paul Townend choosing CONCERTISTA, the winner of two Grade 2 hurdles since beaten almost 5 lengths by Black Tears in a handicap here in February. The runner-up appears to have made the greater progress and the winner was 12 lengths behind Buildmeupbuttercup on her return to action at Punchestown. The latter is by no means a second-string for her yard while Mary Frances is a real stayer whose two victories this year have been over 3m on heavy ground so she'll be suited by a war of attrition.
Concertista (FR) 6-4fav (11-7) Held up in touch early, closer in 4th at 3rd, travelling well on inner entering straight, good headway from 2 out, improved to lead at last, maintained small lead unextended inside final furlong, easily, won at Fairyhouse 2m 3f (1) sft in Nov beating Minella Melody (11-5) by 1 3/4l, 6 ran.
Buildmeupbuttercup 3-1 (11-5) Raced in rear, not fluent at times, went 3rd from 2 out and closed on leaders approaching last, ridden to lead inside final 150 yards, pressed close home, just held on, won at Punchestown 2m 3f lst (1) hvy in Nov beating Elimay (11-5) by ns, 5 ran.
Minella Melody (IRE) 13-8 (11-5) Tracked leader in 2nd, improved to lead 2 out, ridden and headed at last, kept on under pressure in 2nd inside final furlong, not trouble easy winner, 2nd of 6, 1 3/4l behind Concertista (11-7) at Fairyhouse 2m 3f (1) sft in Nov.
Black Tears 4-1 (11-1) Chased leader in 2nd, improved on inner to dispute lead from 2 out, ridden and headed before last, soon dropped to 3rd and no extra, kept on same pace run-in, 3rd of 5, 12l behind Buildmeupbuttercup (11-5) at Punchestown 2m 3f lst (1) hvy in Nov.
Mary Frances (IRE) 4-1 (11-5) Chased leader in 2nd, disputed at times on inner, led 6 out, headed 5 out, regained lead entering straight, clear before 2 out, pushed out after 2 out, kept on strongly, easily, won at Clonmel 3m hvy in Dec beating Burrows Saint (11-12) by dist, 6 ran.
My Sister Sarah (IRE) 2-5fav (11-2) Disputed, chased leader after 2nd, led before 3 out, asserted entering straight, clear 2 out, easily, won at Limerick 2m 6f lst (1) sft in Oct beating Shanning (11-2) by 10l, 6 ran.
Serpolette (IRE) 22-1 (10-7) Tracked leaders, raced keenly, led 3rd until headed next, ridden and weakened quickly 3 out, pulled up before next, at Gowran Park 2m hcp hvy in Nov.
Darrens Hope (IRE) 11-8fav (10-12) In touch, dropped to 4th after 5th, lost place at 9th, under pressure in rear after 4 out, detached and pulled up before 3 out, at Cork 3m (1) Soft - Heavy in Dec.
