led, ridden over 2f out, headed 1f out, weakened
mid-division, ridden over 1f out, never threatened
prominent, pressed leader, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, kept on one pace
mid-division, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, led 1f out, stayed on well
tracked leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
held up in rear, ridden over 2f out, headway over 1f out, challenged inside final furlong
slowly away, in rear, ridden 2f out, kept on inside final furlong, never nearer
chased leaders, ridden over 2f out, weakened inside final furlong
help up in rear, ridden over 2f out, stayed on well inside final furlong, never nearer
Most of these are very close together on official ratings but Captain Ryan gained his fourth track victory in a similar race in August and has to be on the shortlist. KYLLUKEY was in fine form earlier this year, culminating with a victory at Chelmsford. He reappeared with a very good run here last month and gets the nod despite Dubai Paradise finishing just in front of him in the latter event as John Butler's filly had been running throughout the autumn. The three-year-old Boot Scootin Baby ran her best race to date on Tapeta at Newcastle on New Year's Eve and won't need much more to get into contention.
Angel Eyes 33-1 (8-12) Held up just better than midfield, brief headway over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on at same pace inside final furlong, 7th of 14, 5 1/4l behind Blackcurrent (8-12) at Newcastle 5f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Captain Ryan 20-1 (9-3) In touch, pushed along over 1f out, not trouble leaders, 6th of 10, 3 1/4l behind Spreadsheet (9-6) at Lingfield 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Dubai Paradise (IRE) 7-1 (9-1) Chased leader, travelled smoothly to lead 2f out, ridden over 1f out, kept on final furlong, headed final strides, 2nd of 8, nk behind Trouser The Cash (9-6) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Independence Day (IRE) 25-1 (10-1) In touch, pushed along halfway, ridden and kept on inside final furlong, never nearer, 6th of 14, 11l behind Spring Romance (11-4) at Southwell 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Jeans Maite 14-1 (8-12) In touch, pushed along halfway, weakened over 1f out, 10th of 11, 10 1/2l behind Spring Romance (9-7) at Southwell 6f hcp (6) pol in Nov.
Kyllukey 8-1 (9-2) Took keen hold towards rear, ridden on outside over 1f out, ran on strongly final furlong but could not reach leaders, 3rd of 8, 3/4l behind Trouser The Cash (9-6) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
Nellie French (IRE) 16-1 (8-12) Tracked leaders, close up over 2f out, ridden over 1f out, weakened entering final furlong, 9th of 11, 9 1/2l behind Marwari (9-6) at Newcastle 6f hcp (6) pol in Dec.
The Night Watch 33-1 (9-0) Held up towards rear, well beaten final 2f, last of 11, 22l behind Passional (9-7) at Wolverhampton 5f hcp (6) pol in Jan.
Boot Scootin Baby 8-1 (8-12) Led, ridden halfway, headed over 1f out, stayed on to go 2nd inside final furlong, 2nd of 7, 2 1/2l behind It Just Takes Time (10-0) at Newcastle 5f (6) pol in Dec.
Livvie 200-1 (8-12) Not much room start, always in rear, 6th of 7, 16l behind Donny Marlow (9-5) at Wolverhampton 5f mdn stks (5) pol in Dec.
Mid Day Rush (IRE) 18-1 (8-7) Took a keen hold out wide, towards rear, weakened and eased over 3f out, pulled up over 2f out, at Wolverhampton 6f (6) pol in Dec.