Verdict

An unusually small field here but competitive nonetheless. Copper Dock won this a year ago, one of six victories on the track, and he's been reasonably consistent subsequently despite having won just once. Joseph O'Brien was on board that night but this time takes the ride on Knock Stars, who was caught close home by THATS A FRET a fortnight ago having attempted to make all. There's virtually nothing between the pair again here but the winner can confirm the form and take this. Copper Dock was around six lengths behind and also looks held by Pencil Hill, who beat him here in April. Inishmot Duchess found some improvement to score here three weeks ago but whether she can repeat that performance is another matter.

Formwatch

Knock Stars (IRE) 9-4fav (9-3) Attempted to make all, ridden 1 1/2f out, soon challenged, kept on under pressure final furlong, headed close home, 2nd of 8, nk behind Thats A Fret (8-4) at Dundalk 6f hcap pol in Jan.

Pencil Hill (IRE) 16-1 (8-9) Always towards rear, eased when beaten, last of 14, 10l behind Arbitrageur (8-4) at Dundalk 6f hcp pol in Nov.

Copper Dock (IRE) 10-1 (9-0) Held up, 7th halfway, headway into 5th 2f out, ridden into 4th 1f out, no extra final furlong, 6th of 8, 7l behind Thats A Fret (8-4) at Dundalk 6f hcap pol in Jan.

Thats A Fret (IRE) 8-1 (8-4) Chased leader in 2nd, ridden to challenge over 1f out, kept on final furlong to lead close home, won at Dundalk 6f hcap pol in Jan beating Knock Stars (9-3) by nk, 8 ran.

Inishmot Duchess (IRE) 8-1 (9-7) Always prominent, improved to dispute lead and ridden under 2f out, led under 1f out, stayed on well, won at Dundalk 6f hcp 47-65 pol in Jan beating Like Magic (9-9) by 1 1/4l, 10 ran.