prominent, led after 2f, pushed along 3f out, headed from 2 1/2f out, weakened from under 2f out
soon raced in 5th, pushed along 2 1/2f out, challenged from over 1 1/2f out, led inside final furlong, kept on well
held up, soon 7th, pushed along briefly over 3f out, soon improved to chase leaders, pushed along again 2 1/2f out, kept on into 2nd without threatening winner near finish
dwelt, took keen hold, soon tracked leaders in 4th, pushed under 3f out, no extra from under 2f out
soon tracked leaders in 3rd, challenged travelling smoothly from 3f out, led from 2 1/2f out, pushed along under 2f out, headed inside final furlong, dropped to 3rd near finish
in rear, pushed along early straight, soon under pressure and no impression, kept on same pace without threatening
loaded without rider, soon raced in 6th, pushed along from 3f out, moderate 4th over 1 1/2f out, one pace
dwelt, pushed along to soon lead, ran a little green early, headed after 2f, remained prominent, pushed along into straight, no extra from under 2f out
VALAC (NAP) has been a bit unlucky to come up against some smart three-year-olds so far. Placed behind the likes of Hans Holbein and Sir Isaac Newton in the spring, he faces nothing of their calibre today and should finally open his account. Mcguigan went close again over course and distance earlier this month and should be in the frame again but Street Taipan failed to justify favouritism in a lesser contest at Down Royal last time while Angel Bay took a backward step at Listowel in May and has been off the track since. Golden Raven was a couple of lengths behind Mcguigan here on his debut but was noted staying on strongly and there may not be much between the pair today.
Concra Boy (IRE) 66-1 (9-10) Always towards rear, never a factor, kept on one pace from over 1f out, 14th of 17, 27l behind Red Napoleon (9-5) at Navan 1m mdn stks gf.
Golden Raven (IRE) 6-1 (9-5) Tracked leaders, 3rd 3f out, pushed along in 2nd 1 1/2f out, no extra inside final furlong, 5th of 17, 3l behind Red Napoleon (9-5) at Navan 1m mdn stks gf.
Mcguigan (IRE) 9-2 (9-5) Led, pushed along under 2f out, ridden and kept on inside final furlong, headed final 100 yards, no impression on winner close home, 2nd of 17, 3/4l behind Red Napoleon (9-5) at Navan 1m mdn stks gf.
The Eyes Have It (IRE) 20-1 (9-2) Tracked leaders outer, 5th halfway, pushed along 2f out and no impression 1f out, kept on one pace, 5th of 12, 6l behind Assume (9-0) at Killarney 1m mdn stks gd in Aug.
Valac (IRE) 15-8 (9-5) Chased leaders, 4th 3f out, ridden in 3rd 2f out, soon 2nd, kept on same pace without reaching winner final furlong, 2nd of 9, 1 3/4l behind Dream Craft (9-0) at Bellewstown 1m mdn stks sft in Aug.
Alfie's Word (IRE) 66-1 (9-0) Always towards rear, pushed along in rear over 2f out, no extra, weakened, last of 7, 27l behind Zhukova (9-0) at Navan 1m 2f fll mdn stks gf in Jun.
Angel Bay 11-4 (9-0) Tracked leaders, pushed along in 5th halfway, soon rear, weakened, completely tailed off, last of 7, well behind Knocknagree (9-0) at Listowel 1m fll mdn stks hvy in May.
Suffice To Say (IRE) 50-1 (8-7) Towards rear, ridden over 2f out, moderate 6th 1f out, kept on one pace, 6th of 9, 4l behind Cape Discovery (8-12) at Dundalk 1m app mdn stks (3yo+) pol.
Street Taipan (USA) 9-4fav (9-5) Settled behind leaders, 5th halfway, ridden towards outer 2f out, close 4th 1f out, kept on same pace in 3rd inside final furlong, no impression on leaders, 3rd of 8, 2l behind Downforce (9-5) at Down Royal 7f mdn stks gd.
