prominent and led after 2f, strongly pressed and driven along entering straight, kept on well under pressure final furlong
tracked leaders, 2nd before halfway, challenged travelling well entering straight, ridden over 1f and no impression on winner, kept on one pace
held up in rear, ridden 4f out and no threat approaching straight
held up in 6th, smooth headway on outer to briefly go 3rd entering straight, found little under pressure, no extra final furlong
tracked leaders on outer, 4th halfway, ridden and no extra approaching straight, moderate 6th 2f out, kept on one pace
chased leaders in 5th, ridden to go 3rd 2f out, no impression from 1f out, kept on one pace
led early, 3rd on inner halfway, ridden and no extra in 5th 2f out, weakened
EARLS QUARTER looks the answer to this. Willie Mullins' charge beat the useful Rebel Fitz over hurdles at Galway in August and didn't reappear until last month when he fell in a Grade 2 at Fairyhouse. He should be good enough but won't have things his own way against Blossom Gate. John Kiely's mare was unbeaten in two bumpers and ran well enough on her only start under Flat rules at Killarney last August. She pulled up in very heavy going at Roscommon the following month and today's ground will be in her favour. Caim Hill once looked potentially useful but hasn't shown much for a long time and the remainder have plenty to find.
Caim Hill (IRE) 33-1 (11-0) Towards rear for most, never a factor, 14th of 15, well behind Any Bets (9-3) at Down Royal 2m 4f hcp chs gd.
Earls Quarter (IRE) 20-1 (11-5) Waited with, not fluent 1st, closer in 5th before straight, no impression under pressure when fell last, in a race won by Jenari (11-5) at Fairyhouse 2m 4f nov hdl G2 (1) gd in Apr, 12 ran.
Sargent Foaley (IRE) 66-1 (11-2) Held up in rear, never a factor, kept on one pace, 7th of 12, 24l behind Steps To Freedom (11-0) at Leopardstown 1m 6f amat mdn stks gf in Jun.
Blossom Gate (IRE) 9-4 (10-6) Dwelt, waited with towards rear, 4th over 4f out, ridden under 3f out, no impression and kept on same pace from 2f out, 3rd of 7, 4l behind Galileo's Choice (11-7) at Killarney 2m 1f am stks (4yo+) gd in Aug.
Hang On Groovy (IRE) 28-1 (10-5) In rear, ridden along halfway and swished tail, kept on one pace without threatening, 8th of 14, 45l behind Audrelles Lad (10-1) at Kilbeggan 2m 3f hcp hdl 8Evens16 gs.
Knockcroghery (IRE) 25-1 (8-3) Tracked leaders, 3rd early straight, soon no impression under pressure, 8th of 18, 9l behind Ballochroy (9-13) at Clonmel 2m hcp 47-65 gd in Apr '11.
Lady Footsteps (IRE) 66-1 (10-0) Always towards rear, tailed off, 11th of 12, well behind Ebalviyra (9-0) at Tipperary 1m 1f mdn stks hvy.
