tracked leaders, 3rd halfway, 4th when fell 3 out
tracked leaders, 4th halfway, improved to dispute 2nd 4 out, mistake next, ridden in 3rd before 2 out, no impression before last, went right and mistake last, soon no extra
held up in rear, ridden in 5th before 2 out, no extra in moderate 4th when fell last
tracked leader, disputed before 3rd, headed after 5th, 2nd halfway, ridden in 4th before 2 out, no extra in 5th before last, left moderate 4th
led, slightly slow 1st, joined before 3rd, led again after 5th, slightly slow 5 out, ridden and pressed 2 out, kept on well run-in and asserted closing stages
tracked leaders briefly, held up before 4th, 6th halfway, pushed along briefly after 7th, pushed along next, no extra in rear 5 out, eased after 3 out, pulled up before last
reluctant to line up, held up, 5th halfway, progress into 3rd after 3 out, challenged 2 out, ridden in close 2nd before last, no impression on winner run-in, kept on same pace
An interesting Grade 3 in which Saldier is the likely market leader after landing a Thurles victory on chasing debut from Solness, the latter having won since. He could well prove a cut above but tackles some useful and in-form opposition, of which JOURNEY WITH ME makes most appeal. Beaten last time at Punchestown on heavy, the Mahler gelding should be better suited by forecast conditions and rates a viable alternative to the likely favourite, especially with a course and distance win on his profile. Gold Cup Bailly's winning run came to an end behind Thomas Darby last time but he's a tough and progressive type who should run his race once again. Flanking Maneuver came back from a huge absence last time with an excellent effort and is a danger to all if backing up that performance.
Aarons Day (IRE) 16-1 (11-3) Mid-division, pushed along in 5th 3 out, ridden in 5th before next, weakened, 5th of 9, dist behind Churchstonewarrior (11-3) at Navan 3m (1) Good - Yielding in Feb.
Flanking Maneuver (IRE) 16-1 (11-3) In rear, headway bypassing 4 out, 4th 3 out, went 3rd travelling well 2 out, soon pushed along, ridden in 3rd after last, stayed on well inside final furlong, not reach leaders, never nearer, 3rd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Churchstonewarrior (11-3) at Navan 3m (1) Good - Yielding in Feb.
Francin (FR) 7-1 (11-5) Rear, soon detached, moderate 4th at 4th, kept on same pace to moderate 3rd closing stages, no threat, 3rd of 5, 24l behind Indiana Jones (11-5) at Punchestown 2m Yielding in Feb.
Gold Cup Bailly (FR) 5-6fav (11-5) Led until mistake 9th, headed last, held final 100 yards, stayed on, 2nd of 4, 1 1/4l behind Thomas Darby (11-10) at Ayr 3m hcp (3) sft in Feb.
Journey With Me (IRE) 9-4jfav (11-0) Tracked leaders in 3rd, took keen hold, went 2nd at 4th, led at 5th, joined 10th, led again 2 out and soon ridden, joined at last, narrowly headed inside final furlong, kept on same pace close home, 2nd of 6, 1/2l behind Impervious (11-1) at Punchestown 2m 4f (1) hvy in Jan.
Saldier (FR) 4-9fav (11-12) Soon tracked leader, disputed lead after 3rd, led narrowly before 5th, increased advantage after 2 out, reduced lead before last, ridden and kept on well run-in, won at Thurles 2m Good - Yielding in Feb beating Solness (11-10) by 2 1/4l, 10 ran.
Limerick Lace (IRE) 5-6fav (11-12) Tracked leaders, went 2nd from 4th, disputed lead 2 out, led and pushed along after 2 out, ridden at last, swished tail inside final furlong, stayed on well under pressure, won at Naas 2m 4f hcp Yielding in Feb beating Jody Ted (11-0) by 2 1/2l, 6 ran.
