mid-division on inside, headway 4f out, ridden to chase leader 2f out, until inside final furlong, one pace
steadied start, held up in last trio, headway on wide outside over 4f out, ridden to challenge 3f out, one pace and no impression over 1f out, plugged on
held up in last trio, smooth headway on inside 4f out, led on bit 3f out, ridden over 1f out, idled in front and caught last strides
tracked leading pair, challenged 3f out, every chance 2f out, weakened over 1f out
steadied start, held up in last trio, pushed along 4f out, ridden over 2f out, kept on same pace
chased leader, challenged 3f out, every chance 2f out, stayed on same pace final furlong
took keen hold, in touch, weakened over 2f out
chased leaders, pushed along and headway from 2f out, went 2nd inside final furlong, stayed on to lead final strides
led until 3f out, weakened over 2f out
Nonrunner
Nonrunner
CAPTAIN OATS will be partnered by one of the better jockeys at this level and, assuming he is ready to go after his lay-off, the seven-year-old makes a touch more appeal than Alternative Choice, Gallego and Apex. The last named pair are closely matched and hard to split on recent evidence. This flatter surface may suit Apex the better of the two and he is taken to come out on top in that particular grudge match. Alternative Choice is less exposed than most and, having won in good style on the all-weather last month, a solid case can be stated for the Nick Littmoden-trained gelding. However, he is yet to prove his effectiveness on turf, so there are sufficient reasons to be wary about getting too heavily involved. Captain Oats, on the other hand, has proved to be versatile regarding his preferred racing surface and has very few worries on that score. Simon Walker got a good tune out of him in a similar race when he was last seen out and, with a similarly patient ride anticipated; it's the jockey's proven ability to deliver a well-timed challenge that swings the vote in his favour today.
Muftarres (IRE) 5-1 (9-12) In touch in rear, ridden 2f out, no impression, last of 6, 3 1/2l behind Carlitos Spirit (8-9) at Beverley 1m hcp 0-75 (5) gf in Jul.
William's Way 7-1 (10-0) Took keen hold, held up in touch, headway over 3f out, ridden and weakened well over 1f out, 6th of 9, 23l behind Any Given Moment (9-0) at Ffos Las 2m hcp 0-70 (5) gs in Jul.
Gallego 10-3fav (10-5) Held up towards rear, not much room and switched left 2f out, ridden and headway 1f out, kept on nearest at finish, 3rd of 13, 3 1/2l behind Advertise (10-6) at Salisbury 1m am hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Jul.
Apex 20-1 (10-1) Held up towards rear, headway over 2f out, pushed along over 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, 4th of 13, 7l behind Advertise (10-6) at Salisbury 1m am hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Jul.
Mr Udagawa 20-1 (10-1) Held up mid-division, ridden over 1f out, no impression, 6th of 13, 12l behind Advertise (10-6) at Salisbury 1m am hcp 0-75 (5) gd in Jul.
Masterofceremonies 20-1 (9-12) Went left and slowly into stride, in touch on outside, ridden over 2f out, weakened over 1f out, 6th of 10, 5l behind Royal Composer (9-3) at Beverley 1m 2f ladies hcp 0-65 (6) gf in Jul.
Captain Oats (IRE) 7-1 (10-10) Held up in rear, headway 4f out, ridden well over 1f out, stayed on inside final furlong to take 2nd near finish, 2nd of 7, 2 1/4l behind Arab League (10-5) at Bath 1m 5f am mdn hcp 0-70 (5) gf in Sep.
Alternative Choice (USA) 14-1 (9-8) Slowly into stride, in rear, wide and headway over 2f out, stayed on to lead final strides, won at Wolverhampton 1m 4f clm stks 0-60 (6) pol in Jul beating Gamesters Lady (9-9) by nk, 12 ran.
Itsy Bitsy 11-1 (8-13) Always behind, last of 11, 11l behind Barbirolli (8-9) at Beverley 1m 4f hcp 0-60 (6) gd in Aug '09.
Expensive Legacy 25-1 (8-7) Headway to lead 8f out, headed approaching 4f out, driven over 2f out, one pace after, 4th of 6, 3 1/2l behind Nom De La Rosa (8-7) at Lingfield 1m 2f 3yo sell stks (6) pol in Mar.
Rio Prince 100-1 (9-1) Dwelt, in rear, not troubled leaders, 9th of 14, 39l behind Kansai Spirit (9-13) at Lingfield 1m 4f mdn stks (5) pol in Jul.
