led, ridden and strongly pressed from 2 out, headed early straight, 3rd and no extra after last
close up in 2nd, challenged after 2 out, led early straight, ridden clear last, kept on well, comfortably
close up in 3rd, ridden and dropped to rear after 2 out, no extra early straight, eased from last
in touch in rear, close up when pushed along 3 out, 3rd after 2 out, 2nd and stayed on after last without threatening winner
Today's feature event and a case of deja vu for high-class hurdler SOLWHIT. He beat three rivals in testing ground to land this Grade 1 event on his return to action last year and a repeat looks to be the most likely outcome. Charles Byrnes' star has registered winning verdicts over Donnas Palm and Sublimity in the past and there is nothing under today's conditions to suggest either can reverse the form. That leaves Voler La Vedette, who has yet to win at the highest level but can boast some smart form nevertheless and after an effortless victory on her seasonal bow here last month, she could prove the one for the forecast.
Donnas Palm (IRE) 5-4fav (11-10) Tracked leaders, headway to lead entering straight, clear when slow at last, headed and ridden early run-in, rallied to regain lead close home, cosily at line, won at Tipperary 2m hdl G2 (1) in Oct beating Aitmatov (11-10) by 1 1/4l, 6 ran.
Solwhit (FR) 5-1 (11-12) Tracked leaders, headway to dispute 4 out, led next, sent clear from 2 out, reduced advantage at last, kept on well under pressure, headed closing stages, 2nd of 11, nk behind Hurricane Fly (11-12) at Punchestown 2m hdl G1 (1) gd in Apr.
Sublimity (FR) 10-1 (11-10) Soon 4th, improved into 2nd before halfway, led 2 out, ridden and headed before last, no extra under pressure run-in, 3rd of 7, 6l behind Solwhit (11-10) at Leopardstown 2m hdl G1 (1) hvy in Jan.
Voler La Vedette (IRE) 6-4fav (11-9) Tracked leaders in 5th, not fluent 3rd, 4th from halfway, close 2nd travelling well after 2 out, led before last, ran on well, not extended, very easily, won at Punchestown 2m 2f mrs lst hdl gd in Oct beating Star Wood (11-3) by 3l, 8 ran.
