led after 1f, disputed after 3f, 2nd approaching halfway, ridden in 5th 4f out, soon no extra and weakened
chased leaders early, mid-division halfway, progress into 4th 4f out, ridden and no extra over 2f out, weakened
chased leaders, disputed after 3f, lead approaching halfway, ridden 4f out, headed over 2f out, weakened
held up towards rear, progress into 6th 4f out, ridden to close on outer 3f out, 3rd 2f out, no extra in 5th 1f out, kept on one pace
held up, 9th halfway, ridden into 6th 2f out, 3rd and no impression on leaders 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
mid-division early, 5th halfway, progress into 3rd 6f out, 2nd 4f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on to challenge 1f out, soon led, kept on well closing stages
held up towards rear, ridden into 7th 3f out, 4th 2f out, no impression over 1f out, kept on same pace
mid-division, ridden in 8th 3f out, no impression 2f out, kept on one pace
chased leaders, 3rd halfway, ridden and lost place 5f out, towards rear 4f out, under pressure in 10th 2f out, kept on one pace final furlong
led early, headed after 1f and chased leaders, 4th halfway, progress to lead over 2f out, ridden and challenged 1f out, soon headed, no extra inside final furlong, kept on same pace
mid-division, 6th halfway, progress into 3rd 4f out, ridden in 5th 2f out, no extra over 1f out
Just one favourite has been successful in the last ten years though most winners have been well supported. Brod Na Heireann has the best form of those with experience though his excellent second in a huge field here earlier this month came over hurdles. Noel Meade does well with former point-to-pointers so the very well connected VIRTUOSO ROUGE, a winner between the flags in the UK and bought for £90,000 last May, could be good enough to make a successful start. Noble Emperor is related to numerous winners and is one to keep an eye on as is Rogue Trader, a full brother to a winning bumper.
Balthazar Bee (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Soon mid-division, 10th before halfway, plenty to do from 6f out, no impression and kept on same pace from 4f out, 7th of 16, 43l behind Upsanddowns (11-9) at Kilbeggan 2m 3f N H flat gd in Aug.
Brod Na Heireann (IRE) 66-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, 7th halfway, ridden in 6th 2 out, 4th last, kept on to 2nd run-in, no impression on winner, 2nd of 25, 2 3/4l behind Drumlee (11-12) at Navan 2m mdn hdl.
Cornahilt Joe (IRE) 33-1 (11-7) Tracked leaders and ran freely, pulled way into lead after 6f, headed 4f out, weakened, 10th of 12, well behind Vigil (11-13) at Leopardstown 2m N H flat in Feb.
Illusion Of Time (IRE) 25-1 (11-11) Tracked leaders, 3rd approaching straight, dropped to moderate 5th over 1f out and no impression, kept on one pace, 6th of 12, 13l behind Drunken Counsel (11-13) at Clonmel 2m N H flat hvy in Feb.
New World 12-1 (11-6) Rear of mid-division, 10th halfway, ridden and no impression early straight, kept on one pace,, 11th of 16, 18l behind Noble Endeavor (11-2) at Leopardstown 2m 4yo nhf sft in Dec.
Noble Emperor (IRE) Spadoun gelding out of Cherry Tops.
Oscar Knight (IRE) Oscar gelding out of Cool Supreme.
Rogue Trader (IRE) Milan gelding out of Bonnie Parker.
Thats My Rabbit (IRE) Heron Island gelding out of Minnie Turbo.
Virtuoso Rouge (FR) 5-4 (10-7) Hdwy 6; led app 4 out; easy, won at Berkeley 3m ptp gs in Apr beating Chinatown Boy (11-7) by 12l, 14 ran.
Mount Corkish Girl (IRE) Beneficial mare out of Another Flame.
Bentelimar (IRE) 20-1 (11-3) Towards rear, no danger 4 out, 12th of 17, well behind Asitsohappens (11-4) at Thurles 2m mdn hdl hvy in Feb.
