tracked winner, disputed lead from 14th, driven before 2 out, ridden and unable to go with winner between last 2, well held in clear 2nd from last
made most, joined 14th, pushed clear between last 2, ridden out flat, stayed on well
hampered start, held up in rear, headway into 3rd after 5 out, ridden and outpaced after 3 out, no chance with clear pair from next
whipped round and refused to race start, took no part
hampered start, soon chased front pair, lost place after 5 out, 4 lengths down when blundered and unseated rider soon after next
Following a promising chasing debut at Huntingdon, Pym jumped well and went one better over 3m at Ascot but a further step up in trip under a penalty is a concern. Imperial Aura is also penalised after being left to come home on his own at Fakenham and more will be needed here. Rockpoint holds Aye Aye Charlie on their run together behind Wholestone here last month but STONEY MOUNTAIN could be an exciting recruit to the chasing ranks if he can match his exploits over hurdles as he’s won both starts this season in the style of an improver and stamina won’t be an issue.
Imperial Aura (IRE) 1-25fav (11-4) Made all, drew clear halfway, left alone 4 out, only finisher, won at Fakenham 3m (3) gd in Nov.
Pym (IRE) 11-4fav (11-13) Led until after 4th, remained prominent, led again 2 out, hung left closing stages, stayed on strongly, won at Ascot 3m hcp (3) sft in Nov beating Highest Sun (11-12) by 3l, 8 ran.
Aye Aye Charlie 5-1 (11-0) Held up in touch in rear, tracked leaders 11th, blundered 3 out (usual 4 out), soon outpaced and ridden, hit last, kept on flat, no impression, 4th of 7, 6 1/4l behind Wholestone (11-5) at Cheltenham 3m (2) sft in Nov.
Rockpoint 15-2 (11-0) Prominent on outside, lost ground 3 out (usual 4 out), soon pushed along, rallied after 2 out, ridden and stayed on to chase winner flat, always held, 2nd of 7, 1 3/4l behind Wholestone (11-5) at Cheltenham 3m (2) sft in Nov.
Stoney Mountain (IRE) 16-1 (11-3) Mid-division, chased leaders 3 out, soon ridden and one pace, rallied after last, finished strongly to lead towards finish, won at Haydock 3m hcp (1) gs in Nov beating Acey Milan (10-7) by 2 1/4l, 17 ran.
