settled behind leaders, 3rd halfway, travelled well into 2nd 2f out, challenged entering straight, ridden to lead 1f out, kept on strongly final furlong to go clear
settled behind leaders, 4th halfway, ridden and dropped to rear under 3f out, no impression 2f out
chased leader in 2nd, ridden 3f out, no extra in 3rd 2f out, kept on one pace, lost 3rd close home
held up in rear, ridden in 4th 2f out, no impression, kept on one pace into 3rd close home
led, ridden 2f out, challenged entering straight, headed 1f out, kept on same pace final furlong
Starkie has been chasing, scoring at Cork in April, but was well beaten at the Galway Festival on his only subsequent start. Alton Bay was placed five times in bumpers before winning one at Ballinrobe. He returned there for his hurdling debut and was a very impressive winner so will take some beating. However, conceding 12lb (including his rider's claim) to LITTLE KING ROBIN may just prove beyond him. Colin Bowe's charge was also an easy winner over timber last time and has produced a couple of decent efforts when tried on the Flat. Nina Carberry's presence on board Memories Of Milan will ensure John Queally's charge gets a good ride.
Alton Bay (IRE) 9-4 (11-7) Chased leaders, moderate 5th halfway, 3rd before 3 out, 2nd and closed on leader 2 out, soon challenged, led before straight, clear before last, ridden and kept on strongly run-in, won at Ballinrobe 2m 1f mdn hdl in Jul beating Little Rocky (11-12) by 14l, 13 ran.
Memories Of Milan (IRE) 12-1 (10-9) Tracked leaders, no impression approaching straight, kept on same pace, 7th of 15, 18l behind Go Native (11-0) at Galway 1m 6f am stks (4yo+) sft in Oct '12.
Starkie 7-1 (11-6) Led, headed 2nd, remained prominent and disputed halfway, headed 2 out and no extra in 3rd early run-in, 3rd of 6, 28l behind Alelchi Inois (11-9) at Galway 2m 1f nov chs gd in Jul.
Up The Hill 14-1 (11-3) Prominent, led 2nd, slight mistake 4 out, soon ran out on bend, in a race won by Grand Partner (11-8) at Ballinrobe 2m 4f hdl in Jul, 8 ran.
Little King Robin (IRE) 7-2 (11-4) Chased leaders, led after 3f, ridden and headed over 2f out, no impression in 2nd over 1f out, kept on same pace, strongly pressed for 2nd close home, 2nd of 8, 14l behind Whitey O' Gwaun (10-7) at Galway 1m 4f am mdn stks gd in Jul.
Ordinary Man (IRE) 25-1 (10-7) Rear of mid-division, no impression in 8th 3f out, kept on one pace final furlong, 6th of 13, 10l behind Gusty Rocky (11-0) at Tramore 1m 6f ladies mdn stks gd in May.
