led, pushed along before 3 out where headed, dropped to 4th and no extra from next
tracked leader, good jump to press leader from 4 out, led when not fluent next, clear before 2 out, stayed on well, easily
raced last of the 5, went moderate 3rd and no impression under pressure from 2 out, kept on same pace
raced mainly in 4th, keen hold, dropped to rear and no impression from before straight
soon raced in 3rd, 2nd and no impression under pressure from 2 out, kept on same pace
Unless one of the two newcomers is special, AINM SPARTACUS looks to have been found a relatively simple task to add to his tally of two hurdling victories. Kieran Purcell's charge has already won a Gowran maiden and a novices' event at Limerick with a poor run in a Grade 3 sandwiched in-between. He had 17 lengths to spare over One For Joules when conceding 12lb last time and has nothing to fear from him on that form so it's the progressive Launchpad, a winner on the Flat at Windsor and a very good third behind Bagber at Gowran last time, who should provide the main threat. Man In Black threatened to win on several occasions on the Flat but never did so and will need to improve on his two hurdling runs to get competitive.
Ainm Spartacus (IRE) 22-1 (11-7) Made all, niggled along when left clear 2 out, stayed on well, comfortably, won at Limerick 2m 4yo hdl sft beating Total Reality (10-9) by 7l, 11 ran.
Launchpad 7-1 (11-0) Close up in 2nd, disputed before 3 out where mistake, ridden to lead after 2 out, challenged last, headed run-in and no extra, kept on same pace, 3rd of 20, 2 1/2l behind Bagber (11-12) at Gowran Park 2m mdn hdl hvy.
Man In Black (IRE) 25-1 (11-2) Mid-division, moderate 5th approaching straight, soon no impression, kept on same pace, 5th of 13, 17l behind Devils Bit (11-2) at Wexford 2m 4yo mdn hdl sft.
Miradane Kayf Tara gelding out of Coolvawn Lady.
One For Joules (IRE) 16-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, dropped to moderate 6th before straight, soon no impression and kept on same pace, 4th of 11, 17l behind Ainm Spartacus (11-7) at Limerick 2m 4yo hdl sft.
Dont Tell Pa (IRE) Oscar gelding out of Glacial Snowboard.