refused to race, took no part
tracked leaders, weakened 2f out
broke well, led early, in touch, ridden over 1f out, one pace
started slowly, held up, ridden over 1f out, plugged on
soon led, headed over 3f out, one pace
tracked leader, led over 3f out, ridden over 1f out, fading when heading inside final furlong
held up, headway over 2f out, ridden to lead inside final furlong, ran on
held up, never dangerous
The booking of conditional jockey means the penalty for a last time out success for CAPRIO is all but removed and he has the verdict ahead of Cornus and Catalan Bay. Trainer Tom Dascombe has been getting steady improvement out of the pick and a run of improving displays was capped with a victory over six furlongs at Kempton last time. Although never a winner over seven he won his last race in a manner to suggest it's not a problem and with the penalty all but negated he should take advantage. Cornus recorded back to back victories before struggling under an increased burden last time out. now back to just one pound higher than the last off that brace he should be very dangerous again. Catalan Bay, who has some winning form in Australia, put in an eye-catching UK debut to finish in touch off a similar rating. An improved effort after further time to acclimatise will have him in the mix. Orpen Wilde returned from an average national hunt campaign to run with enough at Southwell to suggest he's a danger on the flat while Guildenstern may need a favour from the handicapper before winning again. This is a hot looking race with Caprio the one were on.
Gunfighter (IRE) 12-1 (9-1) refused to race in race won by Sir Xaar (9-4) at Newcastle 7f hcap (3) gf in Jul, 11 ran.
Orpen Wide (IRE) 33-1 (8-13) Broke early, led, ridden and headed over 1f out, no extra and lost 2nd inside final furlong, 3rd of 10, 2 1/2l behind Exit Smiling (7-11) at Southwell 1m hcp 0-85 (4) fbs.
Catalan Bay (AUS) 7-2fav (9-4) Tracked leaders, switched to outside well over 3f out, ridden over 2f out, stayed on to chase winner final furlong, always held final 100 yards, 2nd of 8, 1l behind Distinctly Game (9-3) at Lingfield 6f hcp 0-75 (5) pol in Jan.
Cornus 10-1 (9-7) Steadied start, held up in rear, came wide entering straight, kept on inside final furlong without threatening leaders, 5th of 8, 3l behind Ravi River (9-3) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
Obezyana (USA) 12-1 (9-12) Tracked leaders, ridden 3f out, driven and one pace final 2f, 4th of 11, 6l behind Red Somerset (9-7) at W'hampton 1m 1f clm (6) pol in Dec.
Caprio (IRE) 4-11fav (8-8) Led, ridden over 1f out, soon in command and drew clear final furlong, pushed out comfortably, won at Kempton 6f hcp 0-85 (4) pol beating Artistic License (9-4) by 3 1/2l, 2 ran.
Mr Macattack 3-1 (9-4) Veered badly left leaving stalls, lost all chance, continued, tailed off, last of 5, 17l behind Singleb (9-1) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-70 (5) pol.
Guildenstern (IRE) 5-1 (8-8) Mid-division, headway on inside well over 1f out, every chance inside final furlong, not quicken close home, 2nd of 8, 1l behind Ravi River (9-3) at W'hampton 7f hcp 0-80 (4) pol.
