tracked leader, led 4f out, ridden, headed 2f out, soon one pace
pulled hard towards rear, headway 7f out, weakened over 5f out
keen hold, prominent, led 10f out, headed 4f out, weakened over 2f out
in touch, lost place 8f out, soon beaten
held up in rear, headway over 3f out, every chance from 2f out, kept on same pace final furlong
held up towards rear, headway 6f out, soon chasing leaders, led over 2f out, ran on well final furlong
led, headed 10f out, remained prominent, weakened over 3f out
pulled hard in touch, under pressure over 5f out, soon weakened
held up mid-division, weakened over 7f out, soon tailed off
tracked leaders, weakened 4f out, soon tailed off
Experience has told us that in these events that defying a penalty is not always as straightforward as it first appears, but even taking account of that Option Money looks to have a tremendous chance of making it back-to-back wins and gets the vote ahead of The Hairy Mutt, Alto Stratus and Darth Vader. Jonjo O'Neill-trained Option Money won a similar contest at Market Rasen on debut by a very comfortable three lengths and that is the best form on offer here. He enjoys a sound surface and with improvement likely he can defy the extra 7lb. The Hairy Mutt enjoyed success in points before a pleasing debut when runner up also at Market Rasen in June and his chance is certainly respected. Of the others Darth Vader, Alto Stratus and Delays Expected all hail from yards who have good records in this sphere and the market must be watched for a guide to the chances of that trio, but Option Money looked pretty good on debut and can follow up here.
Option Money (IRE) 5-1 (10-9) Chased leaders, led 6f out, quickened clear over 2f out, won at Market Rasen 2m 1f nhf (6) gf in May beating Masra (10-12) by 3l, 13 ran.
Darth Vader Killer Instinct gelding, half-brother to winning milers Mo Chos Chle and Titian Lass.
Exit Route Exit To Nowhere gelding out of a moderate racemare.
Miracle Bill 66-1 (10-8) Soon behind, tailed off from halfway, last of 15, well behind Regal Angel (10-5) at Hereford 1m 5f nhf (6) gd in Jun.
Sawyer's Gold 66-1 (10-11) Mid-division, ridden and behind from half way, tailed off, last of 18, well behind Peters Star (11-2) at Bangor 2m 1f nhf (5) gd in May.
Shade Bonny 9-1 (10-4) In touch, ridden and chased leaders 4f out, weakened 3f out, 6th of 10, 10l behind Won More Night (10-7) at N Abbot 2m 1f mdn nhf (6) gf in Jul.
The Hairy Mutt (IRE) 5-2 (11-1) Held up, headway over 4f out, challenged over 1f out, no extra near finish, 2nd of 9, 1 1/2l behind Kilcannon Supreme (11-11) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nhf (6) gs in Jun.
White Tie 50-1 (10-13) Chased leaders until 4f out, 12th of 15, well behind Lesmoir (11-0) at N Abbot 2m 1f nhf (6) gs in Aug.
Alto Stratus Cloudings mare, half-sister to winning chaser Vista Verde.
Delays Expected (IRE) Presenting mare, half-sister to winning hurdler Bali Strong and chaser Coolefind.
Handy Cross Petoski filly out of a moderate racemare.
Wichita Brave (IRE) 100-1 (10-6) Held up, headway to chase leaders 6f out, weakened over 2f out, 7th of 9, 50l behind Kilcannon Supreme (11-11) at Market Rasen 2m 1f nhf (6) gs in Jun.
Wychwoods Legend Midnight Legend filly out of winning chaser Miss Millbrook.
