in touch, lost place from 7th
towards rear, pushed along 6th, rallied 4 out, wandered and weakened approaching 2 out
chased leaders, weakened from 4 out
held up, headway 4 out, every chance when hit 3 out, blundered next, led briefly last, one pace run-in
mid-division, led approaching 3 out, headed briefly last, kept on gamely
with leader, weakened from 7th
held up, headway and disputing 2nd when fell 7th
led, hit 6th, ridden and headed approaching 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
A chance is taken with Tom's Toybox in the opener at Ayr. Millie The Filly and Johnny Roche can give the selection the most to think about, while a market move for Roschal would be interesting. The last named has plenty of experience and, as he is well treated in comparison to his chase rating, he has a live chance on these terms. However, the gelding has stood very little racing in the last couple of years and his fitness has to be taken on trust. Johnny Roche may appreciate this drop in trip and, with his yard in good form, he cannot confidently be ruled out. The ground will suit Howard Johnson's charge and, even though he lacks a turn of foot, he should be noted with interest while conditions are to his liking. Millie The Filly won in good style last time out and should again run her race. Jockey bookings do suggest the four-year-old is the stable's second string, though. However, as Stand By Me lacks a recent outing, she may be good value in this company. Even so, preference is given to Tom's Toybox, who showed distinct promise on his handicap debut last month and, as he is sure to be sharper for the outing, the top weight has fewer questions to answer than his major rivals this afternoon.
Tom's Toybox 25-1 (11-9) Close up, every chance approaching 3 out, one pace when blundered last, 5th of 18, 17l behind Go Johnny (11-1) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov hcp hdl 0-100 (4) gd in Nov.
Cavers Glen 8-1 (11-3) In touch, ridden 6th, soon lost place, behind when pulled up 2 out in race won by Brickies Mate (10-10) at Perth 2m 4f mdn hdl (4) sft in Apr, 12 ran.
Johnny Roche (IRE) 4-1 (11-2) Mid-division, tracked leaders 10th, ridden after 3 out, kept on run-in, 3rd of 10, 3/4l behind Star Fever (11-0) at Musselburgh 3m hcp hdl 0-105 (4) gs in Jan.
Royal Melbourne (IRE) 25-1 (10-5) Raced keenly, tracked leaders, led before 4th, hit 4 out, headed next, soon weakened, 5th of 11, 18l behind Le Rouge Fatal (10-1) at Carlisle 2m 1f hcp hdl 0-115 (4) gs in Nov.
Roschal (IRE) 25-1 (10-11) Led, headed 4 out, soon weakened, 10th of 12, well behind Heversham (10-0) at Kelso 2m 6f nov hcp hdl 0-110 (4) gf in May '06.
Za Beau (IRE) 33-1 (10-10) Towards rear, never dangerous, 10th of 13, 23l behind Top Dressing (11-8) at Carlisle 2m nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gd in Nov.
Stand On Me 6-1 (10-12) Took keen hold, prominent, effort approaching 4 out, weakened last, 6th of 11, 22l behind Coy Lad (10-8) at Carlisle 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) sft in Apr '06.
Millie The Filly 20-1 (10-5) Made all, mistake 3 out, kept on well from last, won at Ayr 2m 5f cnd hcp hdl 0-90 (5) sft in Nov beating Topaz Lady (11-6) by 7l, 15 ran.
