made all, slight mistake 5th, 5-length advantage before 3 out, reduced advantage entering straight, pressed 2 out, soon ridden, kept on well under pressure run-in
held up in rear, progress into 2nd before 3 out, closed on leader entering straight, pushed along before 2 out, challenged and slight mistake 2 out, kept on from last without matching winner
chased leader and disputed 2nd, ridden and dropped to rear after 4 out, soon no extra and weakened
slightly slow 1st, chased leader and disputed 2nd, slight mistakes 5th and 5 out, ridden in 3rd before 3 out, soon no extra and weakened
STRATUM is likely to be a short price here after a very easy victory on the Flat at Killarney which followed a fair run in the Galway Hurdle. He's the type to go on to better things this winter and should have the edge over Dr Mikey, who hasn't run since April and is likely to be back over fences before long. Waitnsee made all and came home virtually alone in a Ballinrobe maiden but takes on much better rivals while The King Of Brega, while nine times a winner, is likely to find the selection too classy. Jaime Sommers was engaged in the 5.20 at Kilbeggan on Friday.
Dr Mikey (IRE) 8-1 (11-9) Led, headed 3rd and raced in 2nd, not fluent 5th, no extra straight, 4th of 6, dist behind Lac Kivu (11-4) at Cork 2m Good - Yielding in Apr.
Stratum 2-9fav (11-7) Led early, prominent, led approaching halfway, soon joined, led from 4f out, travelling smoothly straight, pushed along under 2f out, soon asserted, stayed on well final furlong, easily, won at Killarney 2m 1f Good - Yielding in Aug beating Freetown (11-4) by 12l, 6 ran.
The King Of Brega (IRE) 14-1 (11-10) Held up in touch, slight mistake 1st, 5th halfway, pushed along when not fluent 3 out, ridden and no impression in 6th before last, kept on one pace, 5th of 8, 21 1/4l behind Darver Star (10-9) at Downpatrick 2m 3f Good - Yielding in Aug.
Waitnsee (IRE) 4-1 (10-11) Made all, slight mistake 3rd, asserted before last, soon clear, very easily, won at Ballinrobe 2m 2f mdn sft in Aug beating Baily Thunder (11-4) by 24l, 14 ran.
Jaime Sommers (IRE) 4-1 (11-7) Chased leader, 2nd halfway, ridden in 3rd after 2 out, stayed on to dispute approaching last, headed last, kept on same pace run-in, 4th of 9, 5 1/2l behind Mon Storm (10-11) at Kilbeggan 2m 3f hcp Good - Yielding in Sep.
