Island Myth has been running consistently well, promises to stay this far and remains open to further improvement so looks worth a bet to resume winning ways here at the main expense of Heart Of Svetlana and Reluctant Suitor. The last mentioned has been knocking on the door of late and can again be expected to be thereabouts but Jim Goldie's gelding may, once more, have to settle for a minor role. The Stuart Williams-trained Jeepstar is capable but would probably want a faster surface to show his best form, while Sphinx may need some help from the handicapper now. Heart Of Svetlana looks to be going the right way and has to be considered but preference is for Island Myth, who has plenty going for him.
Castle Howard (IRE) 20-1 (8-6) Always behind, last of 13, well behind Peppertree Lane (8-3) at Haydock 1m 6f hcp 0-105 (2) hvy in Sept.
Gold Ring 50-1 (10-0) Prominent, pushed along and hampered over 5f out, soon behind, last of 16, well behind Tees Components (10-0) at Haydock 1m 6f hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Sept.
Diktatorial 9-1 (10-10) Held up, headway over 2f out, stayed on under pressure final furlong, 4th of 14, 1 1/2l behind Rationale (9-5) at Bath 1m 4f ldy rds hcp (3) gf in Aug.
Sphinx (FR) 10-1 (9-10) Always in rear, eased over 2f out and pulled up in race won by Stoop To Conquer (9-4) at Newbury 1m 5f hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Aug, 12 ran.
Sweet Indulgence (IRE) 20-1 (9-9) Held up towards rear, headway over 3f out, soon ridden, stayed on well inside final furlong, 3rd of 19, 4 1/2l behind Leslingtaylor (9-4) at York 1m 4f app hcp (4) sft.
Most Definitely (IRE) 12-1 (9-10) Slowly away and always in rear, last of 9, 16l behind Captain General (8-12) at Lingfield 1m 5f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Zacatecas (GER) 100-1 (9-3) Soon well behind, last of 14, well behind Numero Due (9-8) at Warwick 2m hcp 0-85 (4) gs in Sept.
Simonda 16-1 (10-0) Held up, in touch, effort over 3f out, kept on same pace final furlong, 7th of 14, 7l behind Sweet Indulgence (9-10) at Newmarket 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Aug.
Altenburg (FR) 2-1fav (9-11) Towards rear, headway over 4f out, kept on to take 3rd over 1f out, no chance of winner, 3rd of 13, 9l behind Hotel du Cap (9-3) at Kempton 1m 4f 3yo & 4yo mdn (4) pol in Sept.
Pocketwood 12-1 (10-0) With leaders early, stayed in touch, led 2f out, ran on well, won at Newbury 1m 4f ldy rds hcp (5) gs beating Dance To My Tune (10-7) by 2 1/2l, 13 ran.
Perfect Storm 16-1 (9-0) In touch, driven and effort over 2f out, soon weakened, 7th of 13, 6l behind Zero Tolerance (9-7) at Newmarket 1m hcp (C1) gs in Oct '04.
Heart Of Svetlana (IRE) 5-2 (8-11) Made all, under pressure over 2f out, held on gamely, won at Ayr 1m 5f hcp 0-90 (3) sft in Sept beating Reluctant Suitor (8-9) by a hd, 4 ran.
Island Myth (IRE) 9-1 (9-3) Soon tracking leader, ridden to lead over 3f out, strongly challenged and headed last strides, 2nd of 9, nk behind Robustian (9-0) at Goodwood 1m 3f 3yo hcp (4) gd in Sept.
Deep Purple 33-1 (9-7) Keen hold tracking leaders, hard ridden and weakened over 2f out, 15th of 17, 12l behind Bauer (9-0) at Newbury 1m 3f hcp 0-85 (4) gd in Sept.
Pass The Port 33-1 (9-7) Behind, never dangerous, 18th of 19, well behind Leslingtaylor (9-4) at York 1m 4f app hcp (4) sft.
Reluctant Suitor 7-2 (8-9) Chased leaders, chased winner 4f out, ridden, edged left from over 1f out, rallied inside final furlong, just held, 2nd of 4, hd behind Heart Of Svetlana (8-11) at Ayr 1m 5f hcp 0-90 (3) sft in Sept.
Jeepstar 7-1 (9-7) Led, ridden over 3f out, headed over 1f out, stayed on, 2nd of 12, 1l behind Linden Lime (9-0) at Chester 1m 5f hcp 0-80 (4) gf in Sept.
Llamadas 50-1 (8-13) Chased leaders, ridden 4f out, soon lost place and weakened over 2f out, 13th of 16, 14l behind Salute (8-13) at Sandown 1m 6f hcp 0-85 (4) gs in Jun.
Madroos 12-1 (8-11) Mid-division, driven over 2f out, stayed on final furlong, 5th of 16, 4 1/2l behind Tees Components (10-0) at Haydock 1m 6f hcp 0-90 (3) gd in Sept.
Gee Dee Nen 5-1fav (9-3) Chased leaders, one pace final furlong, 4th of 19, 7l behind Leslingtaylor (9-4) at York 1m 4f app hcp (4) sft.
