keen hold, prominent, pulled wide straight, dropped to 3rd and no impression between last 2, kept on same pace
made all, ridden clear approaching last, stayed on well
tracked leaders, 4th 3 out, no impression and kept on same pace from before next
jumped slowly early, soon behind, never a factor
keen hold, chased leaders, 6th 4 out, soon no extra under pressure
jumped slowly early, soon behind, never a factor
tracked leaders, 2nd before straight, 3rd 3 out, no extra under pressure from before next
chased leaders, progress into 3rd and slightly hampered after 2 out, soon chased winner and no impression, kept on same pace
The racing world will be delighted to see Ruby Walsh back in action and he can return with a bang via HAIL CAESAR. An easy maiden winner at Ballinrobe last month, he produced an even better performance when runner-up to Force Of Habit at Galway and has plenty of scope. Lady Samphire finished sixth at Galway and looks held. Soldier Bay looks the biggest threat despite a long absence since a poor run behind Pittoni in the Grade 1 Spring Juvenile Hurdle at Leopardstown in February. An earlier effort at Punchestown saw him beaten only a head by that winner, form that would be good enough for this. Save My Blushes has produced a couple of modest runs on the Flat and over hurdles since his maiden success at Kilbeggan and will need to do better.
Hail Caesar (IRE) 9-2 (11-4) Prominent, slight mistake 4th, travelling well in 2nd approaching straight, led last, strongly pressed late run-in, headed near finish, 2nd of 17, 3/4l behind Force Of Habit (11-0) at Galway 2m 4yo nov hdl in Jul.
Save My Blushes 6-1 (10-11) Disputed lead, headed and kept on same pace from 3 out, 5th of 17, 11l behind Where's The Dosh (11-8) at Killarney 2m 4f hcp hdl 8Evens16 gd in May.
Suprise Vendor (IRE) 20-1 (11-4) Tracked leaders in 5th, ridden from 3 out, no impression in 5th when fell 2 out, in a race won by Star Wood (11-7) at Downpatrick 2m 2f hdl gd, 6 ran.
All On Board (IRE) 25-1 (9-3) Held up towards rear, ridden and no impression over 3f out, some late headway straight, 9th of 18, 12l behind Dusty Trail (9-6) at Galway 1m 4f stks gf in Jul (flat).
Chipolini (IRE) 66-1 (11-0) Always towards rear, tailed off, 11th of 12, well behind Jerry's Agent (11-0) at Bellewstown 2m 1f 4yo nov hdl gf in Jul.
Nordic Hawk (IRE) 12-1 (11-8) Soon settled in mid-division, closer in 7th over 3f out, ridden in 5th before straight, soon no impression and kept on same pace, 7th of 19, 13l behind Fort Defiance (11-8) at Galway 2m N H flat in Jul.
Soldier Bay 14-1 (11-0) Tracked leaders in 4th, ridden and lost touch 2 out, no extra straight, last of 6, 12l behind Pittoni (11-0) at Leopardstown 2m 4yo hdl Grade 1 hvy in Feb.
Lady Samphire (IRE) 66-1 (10-6) Chased leaders, 6th approaching 2 out, ridden in moderate 5th before straight, soon no impression and kept on same pace, 6th of 17, 6l behind Force Of Habit (11-0) at Galway 2m 4yo nov hdl in Jul.
