slowly into stride, held up, headway over 2f out, chased leaders approaching final furlong, soon driven, never able to challenge
chased leaders, under pressure halfway, soon weakened, eased
always towards rear
dwelt, behind, chased leaders before halfway, hard driven and effort approaching final furlong, stayed on same pace
chased leaders, under pressure 2f out, soon weakened and eased final furlong
tracked leaders, hard driven to challenge over 2f out, edged left, kept on same pace
behind, ridden over 2f out, soon no impression
soon led, raced keenly, hard driven well over 1f out, kept on well under pressure
prominent, under pressure over 2f out, soon weakened and eased
CAPRIO is weighted to turn over his old rival Autumn Blades and just gets the seal of approval. Elisario is another to bear in mind, as he has scope for improvement and appeals as candidate for the Placepot if the odds are attractive enough. Elisario won his maiden over course and distance last month - creating the impression he is capable of holding his own in handicaps. This is a tougher assignment but he is on the upgrade and has a solid chance of at least making the frame. Autumn Blades is closely matched with the selection and, as a consistent performer on the all-weather, he can again make the rest aware of his presence. The burden of top weight creates a tough day at the grindstone for him, though. From the others: Obe Royal and Flores Sea have run to a comparable level and it would be an interesting match bet between them. The latter has fewer miles on the clock, so may have the edge in that personal battle. However, Caprio makes more appeal to act out the leading role and this seven-furlong specialist can gain a justly deserved success on these terms.
Autumn Blades (IRE) 8-1 (8-13) Held up in rear, headway over 1f out, shaken up entering final furlong, soon every chance, not quicken near finish, 2nd of 9, 1l behind Orpen Wide (8-13) at Leicester 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Captain Jacksparra (IRE) 17-2 (9-0) Tracked leaders, led inside final furlong, headed towards finish, 2nd of 11, nk behind Excusez Moi (9-4) at Musselburgh 7f hcp 0-85 (4) gf.
Navajo Joe (IRE) 20-1 (9-3) Keen, tracked leading pair until over 7f out, remained close up, ridden over 3f out, soon weakened, last of 5, 16l behind Swiss Act (9-6) at Southwell 1m 4f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Mar.
Flores Sea (USA) 3-1fav (9-3) Pushed up to lead soon after start, made all, ridden 2f out, driven out, won at Southwell 7f hcp 0-75 (5) fbs in Mar beating Obe Royal (8-9) by 1 1/2l, 7 ran.
Caprio (IRE) 3-1 (8-12) Tracked leaders, ridden to lead approaching final furlong, caught post, 2nd of 7, ns behind Royal Dignitary (9-4) at Southwell 7f hcp 0-85 (4) fbs in Mar.
Obe Royal 11-1 (8-11) Settled towards rear, headway over 1f out, stayed on well final furlong, led final strides, won at Kempton 7f hcp 0-80 (4) pol beating Purus (8-9) by nk, 9 ran.
Indian Diva (IRE) 20-1 (8-12) Slowly into stride, mid-division, weakened 2f out, last of 9, 28l behind Spring Goddess (8-5) at Doncaster 1m fll hcp (0-85) (4yo+) (4) gd in Mar.
Elisiario (IRE) 3-1 (9-12) Tracked leader, led over 2f out, ridden and clear over 1f out, stayed on, won at Southwell 7f mdn auc stks (5) fbs in Mar beating Jonnie Skull (8-10) by 2 1/4l, 8 ran.
Bivouac (UAE) 10-1 (8-11) Mid-division, ridden 3f out, bumped 2f out, weakened after, 8th of 14, 10l behind Dear Maurice (9-10) at Windsor 1m hcp (5) gf in Jun.
