behind, mistake 5th, tailed off when pulled up before 3 out
chased leaders, led 11th, stayed on well
chased leaders until blundered and unseated rider 6th
pulled hard in rear, led 4th, headed 11th, soon weakened, pulled up before 3 out
held up headway 6th, going well and every chance last, ridden and found nil flat
held up, blundered 2nd, pulled up after next (saddle slipped)
behind, headway 11th, chased leaders after 4 out, no impression
led, headed 4th, weakened quickly after 4 out, pulled up before next
The defection of Kingscliff has taken some of the shine off this hunter chase, with Irbee and Belvento left to fight it out between them. The latter was not foot-perfect when hacking up at Folkestone in May, but did what he had to do, and despite an absence, still makes more appeal than Bosun's Mate who will surely need this. However, Irbee was a fairly useful handicapper in his day, and on these terms, only needs a clear round to prevail. He finished last season with a fourth to Demasta over two miles here in April, when the ground was a bit too lively for him. Although he can be a quirky customer, Irbee has a decent pilot in Christian Williams, and will be a popular choice.