chased leader, hit 3rd, weakened from 5 out
chasing leaders when blundered and unseated rider 7th
in touch, led 4 out, headed after last, rallied, just held near finish
led until ridden and headed 4 out, weakened next
prominent, chased leader 3 out, challenged last, soon led, all out
RUN TO SPACE is our pick in this contest with Sammy Spiderman and Cybora the others to make appeal. Nicky Richards' charge is far from a stable star but has shown a degree of aptitude in the past for testing conditions and if staying the trip, has obvious claims. Sammy Spiderman certainly knows his way around Ayr and he handles the surface perfectly well. The question is now as to whether the handicapper has his measure. Cybora is somewhat hit and miss on the surface though should be watched closely in the market for any clues. Something Silver is better known over further so he will be continuing onward when less hardy souls have cried enough. The well named Bog Oak had bits and pieces of form in Ireland with significant give underfoot so he is not discounted at generous odds. This is not a race to be having any strong opinions about and Run To Space is the percentage call in spite of the obvious doubts.
Cloud Ten 66-1 (11-2) Mid-division , behind from 10th, tailed off when pulled up 5 out in race won by Stagecoach Opal (10-12) at Doncaster 3m hcp chs 0-120 (3) gd in Dec, 16 ran.
Innominate (IRE) 6-1 (11-8) Led to 1st, led again after 3rd, headed 7th, weakened 3 out, tailed off when pulled up 2 out in race won by Mr Big (10-7) at Uttoxeter 2m 6f hcp chs 0-110 (4) hvy in Jan, 10 ran.
Run To Space 15-8fav (11-12) Mid-division, ridden approaching 5 out, soon no impression, 3rd of 13, 16l behind Bow School (11-9) at Musselburgh 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-105 (4) gf in Nov.
Something Silver 11-4 (11-7) Led, headed 2 out, soon weakened, 3rd of 7, 16l behind Sammy Spiderman (10-4) at Ayr 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy in Jan.
Sammy Spiderman 15-8fav (10-4) Prominent, challenged on bit 4 out, led 2 out, soon ridden, kept on well, won at Ayr 2m 4f hcp chs 0-115 (4) hvy in Jan beating Julius Caesar (11-12) by 3/4l, 7 ran.
Cybora (FR) 9-4fav (11-13) Held up, smooth headway to challenge winner 4 out, ridden next, every chance when hit last, not recover, 2nd of 10, 8l behind Festival King (11-3) at Musselburgh 2m 4f nov hcp chs 0-100 (4) gf in Dec.
Bog Oak (IRE) 13-2 (11-12) Held up, steady headway after 7th, kept on same pace from 2 out, 3rd of 10, 8l behind Lerida (9-12) at Carlisle 2m hcp chs 0-95 (5) hvy in Oct.
Nostradamus (USA) 20-1 (9-7) Always in rear, 10th of 13, 22l behind Dolzago (10-0) at Plumpton 2m hcp hdl 0-125 (D) gf in Sept '04.
