tracked leader in 2nd, ridden to challenge over 1f out, 3rd and no impression on winner inside final furlong
ran freely in 3rd, ridden 2f out and no impression on winner in 4th final furlong, kept on one pace
led, challenged 2f out, ridden and headed 1f out, no impression on winner inside final furlong, kept on one pace
dwelt, ran free in 4th early, switched right 2f out and progress to lead 1f out, kept on well to assert inside final furlong
Agena made a winning start at Leopardstown in September and the race has worked out well. He has the usual list of fancy entries expected of one from his yard and the betting may give the best clue to his chances. But MASKOON's victory over course and distance last month looks better in hindsight with both placed horses subsequently winning and it could pay to stick with Kevin Prendergast's colt in this. Ponfeigh landed the odds at Leopardstown last week and steps up in class while Cork winner Nonchalant drops back in trip after disappointing over 1m2f last time.
Agena 10-1 (9-5) In rear, moderate 7th and pushed along 2f out, went 4th on inner 1f out, quickened well inside final furlong to lead near line, won at Leopardstown 7f mdn stks gd in Sep beating He's No Saint (9-5) by hd, 9 ran.
Maskoon 9-2 (9-5) Made all, 3 lengths lead halfway, ridden 2f out and challenged final furlong, under pressure and kept on well final 100 yards, won at Navan 1m mdn stks gd in May beating Table Rock (9-5) by 1/2l, 16 ran.
Nonchalant 5-1 (8-10) Chased leaders, drifted right to far side rail from over 1f out where dropped to 7th, soon no extra and eased, 8th of 9, 14l behind Indigo Lady (9-4) at Curragh 1m 2f Listed stks (1).
Ponfeigh (IRE) 8-11fav (9-5) Raced in 5th, travelled well on outer 2f out, ridden over 1f out and soon disputed, led 50 yards out and kept on well closing stages, won at Leopardstown 1m 3yo mdn gd beating Comtesse (8-11) by nk, 14 ran.