tracked leader over 2f, handy 3rd, 2nd again over 2f out, ridden to lead over 1f out, stayed on well
led until 3f out, lost 2nd over 2f out, weakened soon after
tracked leaders on outside, went 2nd over 9f out, led 3f out, hung right over 2f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, stayed on same pace, no chance with winner
held up last, wide and weakened on home turn
Just the four runners but a nice prize has tempted Joseph O’Brien to send Grandmaster Flash across the Irish Sea. The Australia colt has yet to win but has finished second four times, three times at Dundalk. The Trader is no mug and has also finished second four times this year. Monsieur Lambrays has won his last two but this is a big step up in grade. EL MISK was unbeaten on artificial surfaces prior to going down by a short-head at Wolverhampton. He’s gone up a further 6lb but is probably worth sticking with.
El Misk 7-2 (9-3) Prominent, led 2f out, driven inside final furlong, headed post, 2nd of 11, shd behind Paths Of Glory (9-5) at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp (3) pol in Oct.
The Trader (IRE) 33-1 (8-12) Close up, led 3f out, ridden and headed over 1f out, kept on one pace, 4th of 19, 9 1/2l behind Trueshan (9-0) at Newmarket 1m 4f hcp (2) gs in Oct.
Grandmaster Flash (IRE) 5-2fav (9-12) Chased leaders, 4th halfway, improve to press leader 2f out, led over 1 1/2f out, ridden and headed 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 2nd of 9, 1 1/4l behind Sweet Dime (8-13) at Dundalk 1m 4f hcp pol in Oct.
Monsieur Lambrays 4-1 (9-4) Chased leaders, went 2nd over 8f out, led inside final 3f, ridden and hung left over 1f out, all out, won at Wolverhampton 1m 4f hcp (5) pol in Oct beating All Points West (8-11) by ns, 12 ran.
