led, mistake 7th, blundered 3 out, headed before 2 out, stayed with every chance until held close home
tracked leaders, 2nd from 3rd until after 6th, 2nd again 7th, challenged 9th, led before 2 out, hard pressed, driven out, in command close home
held up, not much room 3rd, went 3rd from 8th, outpaced 10th, weakened after 2 out
tracked leader until 3rd, 2nd again after 6th until 7th, reminder 8th, weakened next, tailed off
With Rockportian returning from a long absence this should be plain sailing for PLAY THE ACE who is better known as a chaser but did win over hurdles at Worcester in July before failing to give weight to another useful chaser, The Last But One, on the same course. Motueka won a maiden at Uttoxeter in July and has also finished second twice over timber but is would be a surprise if he beat the selection off level terms.
Motueka (IRE) 7-2 (11-4) Whipped round start and lost many lengths, in touch 2nd, hit next and soon led, not fluent 5th, joined 3 out, soon headed, kept on same pace, hit last, no chance with winner, 2nd of 4, 17l behind Portrush Ted (10-12) at Perth 3m (4) gd in Aug.
Play The Ace (IRE) 9-4 (11-5) Chased winner throughout, well held from 3 out, eased when no chance run-in, 2nd of 6, 13l behind The Last But One (10-12) at Worcester 2m 4f (4) gd in Jul.
Rockportian (IRE) 8-1 (11-6) Held up towards rear, headway 4 out, weakened before 2 out, 8th of 11, 18l behind Winningtry (11-6) at Ayr 3m hcp (3) gs in Apr.
Sunset Skye 200-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, pushed along and reluctant before 4th, reminders and weakened rapidly before next, soon pulled up, at Newton Abbot 2m 6f (4) sft in Apr.
