settled behind leaders in 3rd, ridden and closer 2f out, no impression over 1f out, kept on same pace
dwelt slightly, soon tracked leader, led after 1f, strongly pressed 3f out, joined 2f out and soon ridden, headed inside final 150 yards, held in 2nd closing stages
led, headed after 1f and tracked leader, took keen hold, challenged 3f out, ridden to dispute 2f out, edged ahead final 150 yards, kept on well to assert closing stages
held up behind leaders, 4th halfway, ridden 3 1/2f out, soon no extra
always towards rear, reminders halfway, ridden 4f out, soon no extra
This has been run twice and Jim Bolger has won both. New Variant did well on heavy ground at Leopardstown and there's no reason he shouldn't enjoy better going. King Leodegrance was beaten a long way on heavy going at Navan but is another likely to appreciate today's conditions. Sleepless Knight is a half-brother to the very useful Layfayette and two other winners and may prove better than Smooth Gale but ALBERT PARK cost 200,000gns and is very much bred for middle-distances as an entry in the Derby would suggest.
Albert Park (IRE) Camelot colt out of Wannabe Special.
King Leodegrance (IRE) 8-1 (9-8) Rear of mid-division early, 6th on outer halfway, 4th and pushed along 2f out, soon no impression and 6th over 1f out, no extra, kept on one pace, 6th of 12, 19 1/2l behind Gooloogong (9-8) at Navan 1m 2f mdn hvy in Mar.
New Variant (IRE) 22-1 (9-8) Held up in rear of mid-division, 7th halfway, pushed along entering straight and soon ridden, 5th over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong to go 3rd closing stages, 3rd of 9, 5 1/2l behind The Prairie (9-8) at Leopardstown 1m 2f mdn hvy in Apr.
Sleepless Knight (IRE) Decorated Knight gelding out of Scala Romana.
Smooth Gale (IRE) Smooth Daddy gelding out of Hillofthenitengale.
