tracked leader, driven over 2f out, led 1f out, held on well final furlong
held up, headway over 2f out, ridden to chase winner 1f out, kept on inside final furlong, held towards finish
held up, driven and outpaced over 2f out, soon ridden, kept on under pressure inside final furlong, no impression
tracked leader, driven over 3f out, ridden 2f out, lost place 1f out, no extra
led, ridden and headed 1f out, weakened final furlong
Although slightly worse off at the weights than if this were a handicap, CAPRIO is taken to get back to winning ways at the main expense of Desert Dreamer. Jim Boyle has his winter string in excellent form and Caprio was good enough to win a handicap from a mark of 78, 3lbs lower than today's, over course and distance a couple of starts ago. He was never in it at Southwell last time and those thinking of backing him will have to forgive him that, but he goes well here and looks the most solid option. Desert Dreamer represents David Evans, who never appears to be out of form, and the Green Desert gelding is a specialist at this trip. He certainly has the ability to win this and is well treated at the weights, but he is better at Lingfield and Kempton and looks worth taking on at this venue. Gone Hunting is another more favourably off with the selection than if this were a handicap, and although Jeff Pearce's runners are firing, he might not get home over this far. Bahamian Kid has plenty to find but goes well here and may emerge best of the other trio, though for the win we will suggest Caprio.
Caprio (IRE) 7-1 (9-4) Chased leaders, driven and outpaced 3f out, weakened over 1f out, 7th of 8, 17l behind Follow The Flag (8-6) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs.
Bahamian Kid 14-1 (9-5) Held up in rear, ridden and headway over 1f out, stayed on to take 2nd post, 2nd of 10, 1 1/2l behind Red Somerset (9-5) at Wolverhampton 7f clm stks (6) pol in Dec.
Desert Dreamer (IRE) 12-1 (8-12) Dwelt, held up in rear, no real headway final 2f, 7th of 8, 7l behind Indian Skipper (8-10) at Kempton 7f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Gone Hunting 33-1 (9-3) Dwelt, soon close up on inside, weakened over 2f out, last of 7, 9l behind Tiddliwinks (9-5) at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol.
Sanjay's Choice (IRE) 10-1 (8-12) Prominent, ridden and weakened entering final furlong, 9th of 12, 8l behind Onceaponatime (8-11) at Wolverhampton 6f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Sir George (IRE) 10-3 (7-13) Held up in rear, headway on outside over 2f out, never troubled leaders, 3rd of 6, 4l behind Clear Sailing (8-6) at Lingfield 1m 2f Claiming Stakes (0-70) (4yo+) (6) pol.
