chased leaders, mainly 3rd, ridden before straight, stayed on into 2nd 3 out and pressed leader briefly, no extra in 2nd before 2 out, kept on same pace
chased leader, mainly 2nd, improved to lead entering straight, pressed briefly 3 out, asserted before 2 out, slight mistake last, easily
rear, soon behind, ridden and no impression 4 out
led, ridden and headed entering straight, no extra in 3rd 3 out, kept on one pace
Just six runners but a cracking little race in prospect. DANCING ROE had been very consistent over hurdles before a comprehensive victory at Kilbeggan and with a preference for quick going he's given the vote. Ellie Mia certainly deserved her victory over this track and trip last month and she's progressing nicely though she's never raced on a fast surface. Guiding George was a very easy winner on good going at Kilbeggan so it was a disappointment to see him beaten so far on faster ground at Down Royal. Johnny Suku was well supported in three point-to-points but pulled up in them all. He gained a surprise victory on soft ground over the minimum trip at Sligo in May and is likely to be better suited by tonight's extra half-mile though the ground is an unknown factor. Riverside City has been slowly getting his act together but had to battle to land a Gowran maiden and this is tougher. Elsie's victory over Molly Connors at Punchestown is probably the best form on view but her two runs over this trip haven't been quite as convincing and she may have to settle for place money.
Dancing Roe (IRE) 15-8fav (11-4) Led early, headed from 2nd, always prominent, on terms 4 out, soon led, asserted from after 3 out, stayed on well, easily, won at Kilbeggan 2m 3f cond mdn hdle gf in Jun beating Bawntameena (11-0) by 24l, 9 ran.
Elsie (IRE) 9-2 (11-5) Towards rear, ridden and no impression 2 out, kept on one pace from before straight, 7th of 13, 19l behind Fethard Player (11-0) at Ballinrobe 2m 4f cond hcp hdl gd in Jun.
Guiding George (IRE) 6-1 (11-8) Tracked leader in 2nd, ridden along after 4 out, dropped to moderate 3rd 3 out, disputing moderate 3rd 2 out, dropped to moderate 4th run-in, 4th of 5, 21l behind The Housekeeper (11-1) at Down Royal 2m 6f hdl gf in May.
Johnny Suku (IRE) 25-1 (11-4) Made all, clear briefly before 1st, ridden and challenged 2 out, strongly pressed and slight mistake last, kept on well under pressure run-in, won at Sligo 2m mdn hdl sft in May beating Jimmy Two Times (11-4) by 1 1/2l, 12 ran.
Ellie Mia (IRE) 5-1 (10-11) Soon mid-division, improved to track leaders from after 4 out, challenged travelling smoothly straight, on terms 3 out, led after 2 out, ridden clear from before last, stayed on well run-in, comfortably, won at Roscommon 2m 4f mdn hdl in Jun beating Easter Hunt (11-4) by 5l, 18 ran.
Riverside City (IRE) 5-4fav (11-12) Chased leaders, closer in 3rd 3 out, improved to lead entering straight, ridden after 2 out, pressed when mistake at last, kept on well under pressure run-in, won at Gowran Park 2m 4f 5yo mdn hdl gd in Jun beating Give Her Bach (11-0) by 1/2l, 12 ran.
