attempted to make all, mistake 6 out, headed next, no impression and kept on same pace run-in
raced in moderate 3rd, a little keen, closed before straight, no impression and kept on same pace from before last
soon well off pace last of the 5, not completely fluent 5th, no danger from after 7 out, tailed off
raced in moderate 4th, niggled along 6th, kept on same pace from after 7 out
raced in 2nd, a bit untidy 2nd, keen hold and close up 7th, in front 5 out, drew clear run-in, comfortably
THE REAL ARTICLE, a dual Grade 2 winner over hurdles, has undoubtedly been a disappointment to date over fences though he will have found 2m1f too short at Killarney last week. He'll need to improve his jumping if he's to see off some progressive rivals though he receives weight and is given one more chance. Whats Happening is really fulfilling his potential and battled on strongly to beat Original Option over 3m here recently. That gives him a double penalty and Lord Ben may have his measure despite being absent since beating Toner D'Oudairies at Thurles in April. Coldstonesober had done well before facing fast ground at Kilbeggan where he was never travelling and pulled up.
Lord Ben (IRE) 9-2 (11-12) Made all, challenged 3 out, ridden and asserted after 2 out, strongly pressed again from last, kept on well under pressure, won at Thurles 2m 2f beg chase gs in Apr beating Toner D'Oudairies (11-12) by 1/2l, 9 ran.
Sands Cove (IRE) 11-2 (11-7) Tracked leaders, 3rd approaching 3 out, 5th 2 out, soon no impression, kept on same pace, 6th of 15, 26l behind Annie Other (11-3) at Wexford 2m 1f hcp chs 0-123 gf in Jun.
Clara More (IRE) 8-1 (11-2) Settled behind leaders, 6th halfway, pushed along after 4 out, ridden in 9th 3 out, left moderate 6th 2 out, kept on one pace, 6th of 15, 17l behind Invincible Don (10-13) at Cork 2m hcp hdl 80-102 gf.
Coldstonesober (IRE) 5-1 (11-2) Soon mid-division, no impression 4 out, pulled up 2 out, in a race won by Double Seven (11-7) at Kilbeggan 2m 4f hcp chs 0-116 gf in Jun, 14 ran.
The Real Article (IRE) 5-2 (11-12) Chased leaders, 5th halfway, 4th and pushed along 5 out, ridden and no impression before 3 out, kept on one pace, 5th of 14, 19l behind Sizing Italy (11-12) at Killarney 2m 1f beg chs gf.
Whats Happening (IRE) 13-8fav (11-6) Soon tracked leaders, niggled along 6 out, not fluent 4 out, closed and on terms before straight, led and stayed on best closing stages, won at Limerick 3m chs gf beating Original Option (11-10) by 1l, 9 ran.
