mid-division early, improved to chased leaders after 2f, 4th halfway, pushed along 3f out, ridden and no extra over 2f out
chased leaders, 2nd halfway, 3rd 3f out, ridden into 2nd over 2f out, under pressure in 3rd 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
led early, headed after 1f and soon held up behind leaders, 6th halfway, ridden in 5th 2f out, no impression in 4th 1f out, kept on same pace
chased leader, led after 1f, ridden and headed 3 1/2f out, under pressure in 4th 2f out, no extra over 1f out
chased leaders, 3rd halfway, improved to lead 3 1/2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on well final furlong
dwelt and in rear, ridden and no impression 3f out, kept on one pace from 2f out
mid-division, 5th halfway, ridden into 3rd 2f out, 2nd 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
held up towards rear, ridden under 3f out, no impression in 6th 1f out, kept on one pace
Denis Hogan doesn't waste entries so the fact that he's running the lightly-raced Listowel winner Empresario with a big weight suggests he's confident of a big run. However, the concession of 10lb plus Ross Coakley's claim to SLIM CHANCE may prove beyond him. Denis Cullen's charge was racing off an 11lb higher mark at this stage a year ago and looked ready to win again soon when just failing to peg back the leaders over 7f at Gowran a fortnight ago. The Ring Is King has gone up a massive 10lb for gaining his first victory at Ballinrobe last month while the veteran Maundy Money is up 9lb for scoring at Roscommon. The maiden Surreal makes her handicap debut and looks well enough treated to make her presence felt.
Empresario (IRE) 8-1 (9-7) Led early, tracked leader in 2nd after 3f and travelled well approaching straight, ridden to dispute 1f out, kept on under pressure inside final furlong and narrow advantage close home, all out, won at Listowel 1m hcp 60-90 sft in Jun beating Wholelotofrosie (9-6) by nk, 9 ran.
Castle Bar Sling (USA) 10-1 (8-9) Chased leaders, niggled along in 5th approaching straight, dropped to 8th from 2f out, soon no impression, kept on same pace, 8th of 10, 7l behind Stronger Than Me (8-7) at Curragh 1m 2f hcp 60-100 gf in Jun.
The Ring Is King (IRE) 6-1 (9-9) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, ridden into 3rd 2f out, challenged 1f out, soon led and kept on well, won at Ballinrobe 1m 1f Handicap (47-70) (4yo+) gd in Jun beating Daigreen (9-13) by 2l, 13 ran.
Surreal (IRE) 10-1 (9-8) Tracked leaders, closed straight, soon challenged and every chance, no extra in 3rd inside final furlong, kept on same pace, 3rd of 15, 2 1/4l behind One True Love (9-2) at Gowran Park 7f mdn stks gf.
Maundy Money 6-1 (9-7) Tracked leaders, improved to lead travelling well under 2f out, sent on 1f out, stayed on well, comfortably, won at Roscommon 7f hcp 47-65 gf beating Elusive Express (9-7) by 2 3/4l, 15 ran.
Akinspirit (IRE) 16-1 (9-4) Held up towards rear, ridden entering straight and no threat from 1 1/2f out, 8th of 9, 13l behind Knockcroghery (8-12) at Tipperary 1m 6f hcp 50-75 gf in Jun.
Slim Chance (IRE) 11-1 (9-3) Soon mid-division, moderate 8th approaching straight, ridden to close in 6th 1f out, soon got a gap to challenge, not much room and kept on inside final furlong, 3rd of 16, 3/4l behind Jumbo Steps (9-7) at Gowran Park 7f hcp 47-70 gf.
Great Ability (IRE) 25-1 (9-1) Towards rear, ridden and kept on on outer without threatening final furlong, 6th of 15, 8l behind Maundy Money (9-7) at Roscommon 7f hcp 47-65 gf.
