dwelt and always last, ridden and no impression straight
attempted to make all, ridden and headed over 2f out, no impression on winner and kept on same pace final furlong
took keen hold early in close 2nd, settled in 2nd halfway, ridden to lead over 2f out, stayed on well final furlong
chased leaders in 4th, ridden straight, went moderate 3rd under 2f out, kept on without threatening leaders from 1 1/2f out
chased leaders in 3rd, ridden straight, dropped to moderate 4th under 2f out, soon weakened
Dermot Weld won this a year ago with Firey Red but Hallie's Comet has been a massive disappointment in her two runs this season finishing last in big fields at Leopardstown and the Curragh. Aznavour began his career with real promise, landing a Gowran maiden in impressive fashion. He hasn't managed to make much progress since, however, and will need to show more here. Excelerate's form figures may not be pretty but he's normally to be seen in Listed and Group 3 company and started favourite for this race in 2008. That was won by Ballydoyle's Mystical Lady and they are represented here by FENCING MASTER, a neck runner-up to stablemate Beethoven is last year's Dewhurst. He hasn't come anywhere near that form subsequently though he's been contesting much better class events including the Guineas at Newmarket and the Curragh. Wade Giles produced a very impressive debut in a huge field at the Curragh and with normal progress could spring a surprise if the likely favourite isn't up to scratch.
Excelerate (IRE) 14-1 (9-4) Raced in 7th, not much room from 2f out, kept on well without threatening inside final furlong, 4th of 9, 1 1/4l behind Six of Hearts (9-11) at Dundalk 7f hcp (0-100) pol in Feb.
Fencing Master 4-1 (9-2) Held up in 8th, headway over 2f out, stayed on inside final furlong, never going pace to reach leaders, 6th of 15, 2 3/4l behind Afsare (9-5) at Royal Ascot 1m 2f 3yo lst stk (1) gf in Jun.
Wade Giles (IRE) 14-1 (9-5) In touch on inner, 8th halfway, 6th and headway 2f out, 3rd 1f out, ran on strongly to lead close home, won at Curragh 1m mdn stks gd in Jun beating Palm Ridge (9-5) by 1 1/2l, 19 ran.
Hallie's Comet (IRE) 33-1 (9-9) Always behind, eased final furlong, last of 20, 41l behind Sharisse (8-7) at Curragh 7f fll hcp gf in Jun.
Dazzling Day 2-1 (8-9) Held up in 4th, headway on outer into 3rd 3f out, ridden to challenge over 1f out, no impression when slightly hampered inside final furlong, last of 4, 3 1/2l behind Buy Back Bob (9-0) at Navan 1m 2f 3yo stk gf in Jun.
Aznavour (IRE) 6-1 (9-2) Chased leaders in 4th, ridden and no impression straight, eased inside final furlong, 8th of 11, 10l behind Kitty Kiernan (8-11) at Naas 7f stks gf in Jun.
