settled in moderate 3rd, closer approaching straight, ridden on outer and went 2nd 1f out, no impression on winner and kept on same pace
broke well, soon settled back to track leader in 2nd, ridden early straight, 3rd and no extra from 1f out
soon led and made virtually all, steady early pace, tempo increased before halfway, pushed out and kept on well final furlong
Benefit Of Porter is the only one of this quartet to enter the fray in top shape having won very easily over this trip at Tramore last week. He should have few problems taking care of former Germany Group 1-placed Akiem, who hasn't been seen for almost two years, but Universal Truth and THE REAL ARTICLE are different matters. The former, once regarded as potentially top-class, hasn't quite hit those heights and is having his first start since making the pace in a very strong Listed race at Leopardstown won by Fame And Glory in May. He will take some beating at his best but The Real Article just gets the nod as this classy bumper has been running well over hurdles having been beaten a short-head by Captain Cee Bee at Tipperary before a fair run when favourite for the Galway Hurdle.
Benefit Of Porter (IRE) 13-8 (10-2) Held up, closed to track leaders 6f out, challenged and led from 2f out, ridden clear final furlong, comfortably, won at Tramore 2m ladies mdn stks gf beating Clarach (10-9) by 7l, 6 ran.
Akiem (IRE) (9-0) 5th of 3, 4l behind Ostland (9-0) at Cologne(GER) 1m 3f Grp 2 (1) gd in Apr '09.
The Real Article (IRE) 8-11fav (9-11) Chased leaders, pushed along over 4f out, no impression in 7th from before straight, 6th of 14, 27l behind Leblon (9-3) at Clonmel 2m mdn stks gd in Apr.
Universal Truth (IRE) 66-1 (9-1) Soon led and clear, headed before straight, no extra from 2f out, last of 8, 28l behind Fame And Glory (9-8) at Leopardstown 1m 6f Listed stks (1) gf in May.
