with leader, weakened after 2 out
held up towards rear, headway before 2 out, ridden before last, soon weakened
soon tracked leaders, led 2 out, headed before last, kept on and no impression
in rear, smooth headway to lead before last, easily
led, headed 2 out, ridden and one pace before last
tracked leaders, every chance 2 out, weakened before last
KAPSTADT would have to be the selection in this if making a quick reappearance following a fine run, when meeting traffic problems, behind Hassle in a Listed handicap at Market Rasen on Saturday. Alyasan has improved since landing a Stratford seller in June, though still looks on a high enough mark despite Bridget Andrews' claim. Venue returned to form over course and distance last time and is only 5lb higher but The Grey Taylor returns from a break and Ifandbutwhynot is hard to catch right nowadays while Russian Royale remains out of sorts.
The Grey Taylor (IRE) 2-1fav (11-12) Tracked leaders in 3rd, ridden and weakened before last, last of 7, dist behind Aye Well (10-11) at Kelso 2m 1f hcp (3) gs in Mar.
Ifandbutwhynot (IRE) 25-1 (11-0) Held up, headway 4 out, hard driven after next, weakened quickly, behind when pulled up before 2 out, at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp lst (1) gd in Jul.
Venue 8-1 (11-0) Chased clear leaders, headway into 2nd before 2 out, soon ridden, led last, kept on, won at Sedgefield 2m 1f hcp (3) gd in Sep beating Jokers And Rogues (10-7) by 6l, 5 ran.
Kapstadt (FR) 9-1 (10-9) Held up, in rear, not clear when headway on inside after home turn, not fluent 2 out, 2nd before last, stayed on, closed on winner but unable to get on terms, 2nd of 8, 1 1/2l behind Hassle (11-0) at Market Rasen 2m 1f hcp lst (1) gd in Sep.
Alyasan (IRE) 7-4fav (11-5) Prominent early, mid-division closed before 3rd, hampered after 3 out, 2nd from next, no chance with winner, 2nd of 8, 11l behind Iniciar (11-10) at Worcester 2m hcp (4) gd in Sep.
Russian Royale 66-1 (9-5) Slowly into stride, always behind, 11th of 12, 35 1/4l behind Champagne Champ (10-0) at Haydock 1m 6f hcp (4) gd in Sep.