keen, chased leaders. weakened 2 out
chased leaders, led and stumbled last, idled run-in, headed close home
went left and bumped 1st, chased leaders, led approaching 4th and soon clear, headed before 2 out, chased leaders, switched right approaching last, went 2nd and rallied run-in, driven to lead close home
took keen hold, off the pace in mid-division, pushed along and outpaced after 6th, soon weakened, tailed off
took keen hold, off the pace in mid-division, outpaced after 4 out, struggling and no chance after
always behind, tailed off
led and set steady pace, headed approaching 4th, chased leader, led again before 2 out, ridden between last 2, not fluent and headed last
held up well off the pace towards rear, headway before 3 out, chasing leaders next, kept on run-in, never nearer
not fluent, always in rear, went badly right 4 out, veered badly right and unseated rider soon after
Olly Murphy will know all about Captiva Island having inherited his new charge from Gordon Ellliott, to whom he was previously assistant trainer in Ireland. The gelding posted some useful form across the water in similar contests and will improve for his Ayr fourth on his first sortie for his new yard. He is tempting but MONTY'S AWARD is just preferred after shaping really well on his hurdling bow when a close third over course and distance. A repeat of that level would see him go close anyway but it is also reasonable to assume he'll also progress from that promising performance. Venetia Williams is starting to move into gear with her string too and Du Soleil cannot be omitted from calculations after looking one to note last term.
Captain Peacock 20-1 (9-3) Mid-division, headway on inside chasing leaders over 2f out, ridden and every chance over 1f out, kept on same pace inside final furlong, 4th of 14, 1 1/4l behind Golden Birthday (9-4) at Kempton 1m 4f hcp (4) pol in Oct.
Captiva Island (IRE) 12-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, ridden before last, kept on same pace, 4th of 7, 6 1/4l behind Better Getalong (10-12) at Ayr 2m (4) sft in Oct.
Du Soleil (FR) 11-2 (11-5) Mid-division, not fluent 3 out, headway from next, went 3rd before last, stayed on, no impression on winner, 3rd of 13, 5 3/4l behind Russian Service (11-5) at Chepstow 2m mdn (5) hvy in Jan.
Great Lover (FR) 66-1 (10-12) Mid-division, headway before 3 out, hung badly left and virtually ran off track approaching 2 out, soon pulled up, at Wincanton 1m 7f (4) gd in Oct.
Mad For Action (IRE) 33-1 (10-12) Mid-division, reminders after 4 out, soon beaten, 8th of 12, 20 1/4l behind Whatmore (11-4) at Bangor 2m 1f (4) gd in Oct.
Mega Mind (IRE) 7-1 (11-11) Chsd ldrs, 3rd when mstk 4th, wknd bef 2out & no impr in 6th bef last, 6th of 8, 23 1/4l behind Chooseyourweapon (11-11) at Inch 3m mdn gd in Apr.
Monty's Award (IRE) 4-1 (10-12) Tracked leaders, led before 3 out, soon ridden, hard pressed last, kept on under pressure flat, headed and no extra towards finish, 3rd of 14, 1 1/4l behind Midnight Shadow (10-12) at Uttoxeter 2m (4) sft in Oct.
Stay In Touch (IRE) 100-1 (11-0) In rear, not fluent when behind 6th, 7th of 16, dist behind Kalashnikov (11-0) at Wetherby 2m (3) sft in Nov.
Wahwonaisa Kalanisi gelding out of Clandestine.
