not always fluent, led until 3 out, no chance with winner after next, lost 2nd soon after last
always behind, tailed off 7th
held up in touch in 4th, 2nd from 5th, not fluent 8th, led 3 out, clear after 2 out, very easily
tracked leader until slow 5th, outpaced 7th, weakened from next, tailed off
tracked leaders, not fluent 4th or 7th, outpaced 3 out, went 2nd soon after last, no chance with winner
Donald McCain won this last year and his Ayr maiden winner Culmination will find this easier than recent tasks on the Flat, despite a penalty. But the concession of 6lb to MINOTAUR may prove beyond him as Jonjo O’Neill’s novice, who has promised more than he’s delivered so far, is rated 5lb higher by the handicapper. Strong Resemblance has been placed between the flags but shouldn’t be good enough to trouble the market leaders.
Culmination 100-1 (9-0) Started slowly, always well in rear, tailed off, last of 9, 37 1/2l behind Western Hymn (9-0) at Chester 1m 5f Grp 3 stks (1) gd in May.
Duc de Seville (IRE) 50-1 (10-0) Chased leaders, lost place before 6th, soon behind, pulled up after 2 out, at Stratford 2m 6f hcp (5) gd in May.
Minotaur (IRE) 7-4fav (11-0) Held up in rear, headway 3 out, not much room on inner before last, went 3rd flat, no impression on winner, stayed on, 3rd of 8, 2 1/2l behind Mon Palois (11-0) at Ffos Las 2m 4f mdn (5) gd in May.
Strong Resemblance (IRE) 3-1 (11-10) Pr, ld 1/2way, disp str, mstk 2out when disp ld, no ex bef last, sn drpd to 3rd, wknd run-in, 3rd of 7, 4 1/2l behind Vouvray (12-1) at Mainstown 3m mdn gd in Nov.
Insight (IRE) 50-1 (11-11) Behind, mistake 1st, under pressure 4th, soon struggling, mistake 5th, blundered 3 out, pulled up before next, at Sedgefield 2m 4f hcp (5) sft in Feb.
