Verdict
Oconnells Pike looked a promising type when landing a maiden at Navan in February but he's gone off the boil subsequently. MIRADANE will need to improve from his Ballinrobe victory but he's been progressing with every run and with more improvement likely he can take this step-up in grade in his stride. Gordon Elliott runs Cause Of Causes and Court Lexi wth preference for the former though prospective punters would need to forgive a very poor run when tried over further at Perth. Thegondolier has competed at a high level since landing a Thurles maiden in October and has more scope than most of these.
Formwatch
Gimli's Return (IRE) 12-1 (10-2) Towards rear, reminders approaching 6 out, soon no impression, 11th of 15, well behind Whatever Jacksays (11-6) at Cork 2m 4f hcp hdl gd in May.
Miradane 7-2 (11-4) Prominent in chasing group, closed up and led from 4 out, soon clear, ridden and reduced lead approaching last, stayed on well run-in, won at Ballinrobe 2m mdn hdl sft in Jun beating Mic Milano (10-11) by 5l, 15 ran.
Oconnells Pike (IRE) 7-1 (10-12) Rear of mid-division, never a factor, 11th of 15, 34l behind Golanbrook (11-2) at Gowran Park 2m hcp hdl hvy in Jun.
Cause Of Causes (USA) 5-2 (11-0) Held up in rear, headway 3 out, weakened from 2 out, 7th of 8, well behind Samstown (10-13) at Perth 3m nh nov hdl (4) gs in May.
Mount Sion (IRE) 7-1 (11-6) Led, headed from 4th, 3rd and ridden 3 out, soon weakened, eased straight, tailed off, 11th of 16, well behind Western Island (10-11) at Clonmel 2m 4f hcp chs 0-102 gs in Jun.
Thegondolier (IRE) 9-2 (10-11) Tracked leaders, mainly 3rd, no impression under pressure and kept on same pace from before last, 5th of 6, 5l behind Local Celebrity (11-12) at Sligo 2m hdl gd in May.
Court Lexi (IRE) 7-1 (11-9) Settled towards rear, 6th halfway, briefly closed to join leading group when mistake 4 out, soon no extra, 6th of 8, 48l behind White Feathers (11-2) at Kilbeggan 2m 3f hdl gf in Jun.
Streamtown (IRE) 16-1 (10-11) Chased leaders, 6th halfway, ridden and no impression 2 out, 6th entering straight, kept on well under pressure run-in, 3rd of 9, 3l behind Nodelay (11-7) at Downpatrick 2m 2f hdl gd in May.
