APPLE AWAY and Grey Dawning both developed into smart novice hurdlers last season and ended up sharing a rating of 141. But, crucially, Lucinda Russell’s mare gets 7lb here and she has already won between the flags. The Skelton runner fell when she made most in a Grade 1 at Aintree in the spring. Ballydesmond is penalised for winning at Down Royal and, like Warrior's Fate, faces a tough task if the principals perform as expected.
Ballydesmond (IRE) 10-1 (12-0) Tracked leaders on outer, went 2nd 3 out, led 2 out, soon ridden, kept on under pressure run-in, won at Down Royal 2m 7f mdn Yielding in May beating Focus Point (12-0) by 9l, 10 ran.
Grey Dawning (IRE) 5-1 (11-8) Held up in midfield, fell 9th, at Aintree 3m 1f (1) sft in Apr.
Warrior's Fate (IRE) 5-1 (12-2) Mid-div, 9th 1/2way, prog to 4th bef 3out, no ex in 5th bef 2out, went 3rd bef last where mstk, ko flat, 3rd of 11, shd behind Montmartre Abbey (12-2) at Tralee 3m gd in May.
Apple Away (IRE) 16-1 (11-1) Disputed lead, not fluent 2nd, led outright before 8th, 2 lengths ahead 3 out, soon ridden, 1 length ahead 2 out, maintained advantage approaching last, stayed on gamely run-in, won at Aintree 3m 1f (1) sft in Apr beating Maximilian (11-8) by 1 3/4l, 15 ran.
