An ultra competitive field for the Pertemps Final in which Captain Sunshine makes plenty of appeal at 20/1.
Emma Lavelle’s gelding has some good form to his name in novice hurdles in 2011/12 winning twice – including at this track when staying on strongly to bear Bold Chief going away by a length of an official rating of 132.
He was then off the track for 185 days before running a fair race to finish 6th of 23 to Bondage at this venue, and although he disappointed in his next two starts (once refused to race) he has since put in two cracking efforts which suggest he should be able to make his presence felt in this off a mark of 137.
The first of those came in the Lanzarote at Kempton where he stayed on strongly from well off the pace and looked sure to finish in the frame when coming down at the last when disputing third.
The seven-year-old then showed he was none the worse for that tumble when chasing home Master Of The Sea in a competitive affair at Newbury, where he finished very strongly from off the pace to be beaten 4 lengths.
He was attempting to give Master Of The Sea 6lb that day, and that one gave the form a boost when running a blinder to finish fourth in yesterday’s Coral Cup off a mark of 142.
That form looks good enough to give Captain Sunshine a big shout in this, and the return to a stiffer track will certainly play to his strengths.
The way he has been finishing off his races suggests he will relish the final uphill climb to the line, and to me he looks the ideal type for this contest.
I am sure he has got a big handicap win in him judged on his latest two efforts, and in a race which should be run to suit this could well be it.
Daily Sport recommended bet: 3pts each-way Captain Sunshine (20/1 Betfred, Hills, Paddy Power – BOG)
