tracked leader in 2nd, 3rd from before halfway, headway on inner to join issue 2 out, ridden in 2nd before last, kept on under pressure run-in but not match winner
held up in rear, pushed along and soon no impression after 2 out, kept on one pace
tracked leader in 3rd, took keen hold, went 2nd before halfway, led 2 out, slight mistake last, ridden and edged right run-in, kept on best when challenged
led, strongly pressed and headed 2 out, soon dropped to 3rd and no extra before last
A small-but-select field in which IPSOS DU BERLAIS is expected to confirm his status as a rising star. Noel Meade's charge, already a bumper and point-to-point winner, made a winning start over timber at Down Royal in impressive fashion and looks certain to be contesting grade races before long. Pickapocketortwo is very promising but couldn't quite cope with Best Served Cold at Wexford with Jack Bene well beaten and will find the selection even more troublesome. Black Benny wasn't far behind the useful Rebel Fitz on his hat-trick attempt at Cork and would take advantage if the principals weren't at their best, while winning point-to-pointer My Murphy did very well to make a winning start over timber and can only progress.
Ipsos Du Berlais (FR) 4-5fav (11-12) Always prominent, close 3rd halfway, led before 4 out, carried wide by loose horse approaching last, kept on well run-in, very easily, won at Down Royal 2m 6f mdn hdl sft beating Inside Shadow (11-4) by 5l, 17 ran.
My Murphy (IRE) 9-1 (11-4) Mid-division, closed to track leaders from before 3 out, got good run along inside after next, led approaching last, soon joined, stayed on best to edge ahead and drifted left close home, won at Wexford 2m 2f mdn hdl sft in Oct beating Rourke's Cross (11-12) by nk, 14 ran.
Pickapocketortwo (IRE) 5-2 (11-12) Waited with, closer order and tracked leaders from before 5 out, challenged approaching last and soon almost on terms, slight peck, kept on well without matching winner, 2nd of 7, 1/2l behind Best Served Cold (11-12) at Wexford 3m nh nov hdl sft in Oct.
Jack Bene (IRE) 4-1 (11-7) Soon close up and disputed lead at stages, headed before 2 out, soon no extra, 4th of 7, 34l behind Best Served Cold (11-12) at Wexford 3m nh nov hdl sft in Oct.
Black Benny (IRE) 11-4 (11-6) Tracked leaders, 3rd for much, no impression under pressure and kept on same pace from before last, 3rd of 6, 6l behind Rebel Fitz (11-10) at Cork 2m nh nov hdl in Oct.
