Verdict

PIRES scored over hurdles at Bellewstown in August before a superb effort in the Cambridgeshire at Newmarket when third to Credit Swap. He was a little disappointing at Wolverhampton last time but should prove too good for these. Bravely Fought is useful on his day as he showed when landing a Cork handicap off 96 in April. He's been a little out of form recently and has to concede weight to a decent opponent here. Elusive Ridge and Westtower Boy didn't disgrace themselves behind Home Secretary here on Sunday and both had won earlier on the track.

Formwatch

Elusive Ridge (IRE) 11-2 (9-4) Close up in 2nd, ridden to lead 2f out, headed 1f out, soon no extra, 4th of 9, 6l behind Home Secretary (8-3) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp pol.

Bravely Fought (IRE) 20-1 (9-10) Led, joined halfway, led again over 3f out, headed over 1f out, no extra, 7th of 12, 6l behind Super Say (9-5) at Leopardstown 1m 1f App hcp gf in Oct.

Westtower Boy (IRE) 7-2fav (8-8) Tracked leaders, 5th halfway, ridden and no impression straight, one pace, 7th of 9, 11l behind Home Secretary (8-3) at Dundalk 1m 3f hcp pol.

Agent Of Change (USA) 16-1 (9-1) Always towards rear, last of 14, 28l behind Hawkhill (9-5) at Gowran Park 1m hcp 60-90 in Sep.

Pires 6-5fav (9-3) Held up in 5th, headway on outside 2f out, chased leading pair well over 1f out, ridden and hung left inside final furlong, stayed on towards finish, 3rd of 6, 3/4l behind Tominator (8-6) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp 0-100 (2) pol in Nov.