held up towards rear, headway over 4f out, chased winner over 2f out, kept on same pace from over 1f out
pulled hard, mid-division, weakened 6f out, soon tailed off,virtually pulled up final 2f
in touch, ridden and weakened 3f out
pulled hard, led after 2f, clear 10f out, ridden out
in touch, weakened half way, soon behind, dismounted after line
held up in rear, ridden over 6f out, soon struggling
pulled hard, chased leaders, chased winner half way till over 2f out, soon weakened
led first 2 furlongs, chased winner after till half way, weakened 3f out
The betting will give a few clues about some of the debutantes. However, Zealand was not given too hard a time when his chance had gone on his first start and he is selected in preference to Theprideofeieann and Peter's Debt. The latter is from a solid family and should find a race somewhere along the line as he gains in experience, while Theprideofeieann has a little to prove after a slightly disappointing start to his career when he finished just better than mid division in a Leopardstown bumper for Christy Roche. The Toulon gelding is now with a yard that have always got to be respected with their runners in these events, but recent form shown by some of Jonjo O'Neill's string has not been all that encouraging and he may be best watched today. Therefore, we prefer to side with Zealand, who carries a lofty reputation from his work on the gallops at home and will be very hard to pass if he transfers some of the same to the racecourse today.
