soon tracked leaders in 4th, ridden before 2 out, 3rd when mistake last, kept on same pace
attempted to make all, not fluent 2nd, ridden and strongly pressed after slight mistake 3 out, headed 2 out, kept on under pressure
tracked leader in 2nd, hard ridden to challenge after 3 out, switched to inner approaching 2 out, no impression, one pace
tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden and progress after 3 out, led 2 out, kept on well under pressure
held up in touch, 5th and ridden 4 out, no impression under pressure next, one pace
in touch, not fluent jumping, 6th when slight mistake 5 out, no impression from next
always behind, tailed off from 3 out
always behind, driven along briefly halfway, weakened before 4 out, completely tailed off
Stonemaster has generally competed at a higher level than this and his recent second to Whodouyouthink at Naas puts him right in the frame. Helyhunter was handed a 9lbs rise for scoring at Navan but was by no means disgraced in a much tougher event at Fairyhouse last Sunday. JUDGE ROY BEAN began the season in tremendous form and ran well subsequently at Graded level. He's been given a break since a modest effort behind Coole River at Leopardstown in January which should have freshened him up. The progressive The Book Thief is another to consider in an open contest.
Judge Roy Bean (IRE) 13-2 (11-6) Held up in touch, 5th 4 out, some progress into 4th approaching 2 out, soon no extra, 5th of 7, 22l behind Coole River (11-3) at Leopardstown 2m 4f nov hdl G2 hvy in Jan.
Kusadasi (IRE) 6-1fav (10-13) Made all, soon 5 lengths clear, extended advantage after halfway, still travelling well 3 lengths clear entering straight, driven clear from 3 out, easily, won at Cork 2m 4f Novice Handicap Hurdle (80-116) (4yo+) in Mar beating Una Duce (9-8) by 30l, 16 ran.
Caduceus (IRE) 11-4fav (11-4) Close up, disputed lead from 4th, driven along and headed before 4 out, weakened next, 7th of 8, 41l behind Hellyhunter (11-4) at Navan 2m 7f nov hdl in Mar.
Stonemaster (IRE) 9-2 (11-8) Led and disputed, headed 2 out, 3rd under pressure before last, kept on same pace, 2nd of 10, 3 1/2l behind Whodoyouthink (11-8) at Naas 2m nh nov hdl sft in Mar.
The Book Thief (IRE) 6-4 (11-12) Settled behind leaders, 6th halfway, headway in 4th entering straight, ridden into 2nd after 2 out, stayed on to lead before last, kept on well, won at Fairyhouse 2m 4f mdn hdl sft in Feb beating Merchant Royal (11-9) by 2 1/2l, 8 ran.
The Hard Hat (IRE) 2-1fav (10-11) Mid-division, 8th halfway, headway in 4th 3 out, improved to lead before 2 out, ridden and pressed last, kept on well under pressure, won at Down Royal 2m 4f mdn hdl sft in Dec beating Cool Dude Luke (11-1) by 1l, 14 ran.
Clan Cora (IRE) Oscar mare out of Phar Glen.
Oilean Or (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Never a factor, 17th of 27, well behind Princess Marlan (11-7) at Navan 2m mdn hdl hvy in Mar.
Hellyhunter (IRE) 12-1 (11-9) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, ridden in 6th entering straight, 5th 2 out, no extra and kept on one pace, 4th of 25, 21l behind Quito De La Roque (11-5) at Fairyhouse 3m nov hcp hdl hvy.
Roi Du Mee (FR) 2-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders in 3rd, close up after 3 out, improved to challenge between horses after 2 out, 2nd and every chance when bad mistake last, kept on again close home, 2nd of 9, 7l behind Hampshire Express (11-12) at Downpatrick 2m 2f hdl in Mar.
De Dodger (IRE) 14-1 (11-7) Held up, progress into 5th from 3f out, no impression under pressure and kept on same pace from over 2f out, 5th of 11, 22l behind Acey (12-0) at Limerick 2m 3f N H flat in Mar.
Got The Urge (IRE) 10-1 (10-12) Soon mid-division, progress after 4 out, 6th before straight, kept on same pace under pressure from before 2 out, 6th of 22, 25l behind Stony Grey Soil (11-2) at Cork 2m 3f hcp hdl 80-102 hvy.
