AYR 14:50

Non Runners: DUBAI DAYS (IRE). Fences: 18.

Time: 5m 24.7s Closing Sectional: (2.3f): 35.6s (102.3%)

Overrounds: Industry SP 119%, Betfair SP 99.6%

A few below-par efforts - not to mention the fall of a potential player as the race was taking shape in the straight - removed a few of the apparent main contenders in this open-looking handicap, but there's still substance to the form as 3 novices came clear with a sprightly veteran who caught the eye.

OUTLAW PETER (IRE) is going the right way now as the season winds down after failing to kick on immediately from a winning start over fences, doing everything right following a ponderous leap to start his race as he defied a 5 lb rise for Kempton; led until slow first, remained prominent, led again briefly circuit out, jumped on again 4 out, clear 2 out, closed down only late on; he'll be one of those second-season chasers who'll understandably attract interest in handicaps like the Paddy Power Gold Cup.

SOUL ICON is a winner in waiting over fences now after a stuttering start; close up early, lost ground around halfway, good progress again 3 out, kept on well inside final 1f, went second final 100 yds; worth backing granted a similar test next time.

PRAIRIE WOLF (IRE) cemented his fine start over fences with a sound effort in defeat in a deeper race from 7 lb higher than at Haydock; waited with, effort 4 out, chased leader before next, kept on; he's no sluggard but still ought to prove at least as good at 3m (unraced over that far as a chaser).

HALF SHOT (IRE) saw things out much better after 7 weeks off, very much catching the eye in fact ridden vastly differently to usual; settled in rear, mistakes second, ninth, still plenty to do 4 out, headway from next, finished with running left, not knocked about; something to bet on next time, possibly at Perth with his mark having fallen to a good one.

TAKE ALL (IRE) didn't run so well on his first start outside Ireland, promising more than he delivered; held up, progress out wide entering straight, effort proved short-lived.

NUMITOR possibly found a third relatively quick run beyond him, also not ridden with the same dash as suits best under a new jockey (lost shoe to boot); pressed leader, edged ahead sixth, headed over circuit out, lost ground gradually back straight, no threat after 5 out.

NELLS SON was found out in better company following a punitive 7 lb rise (career-high mark now) for landing the odds in a paltry affair at Kelso; waited with, headway when hit 5 out, fourth 4 out, weakened.

HELTENHAM (FR) would probably have gone close back at a more suitable trip out again quickly but for departing; dropped out, raced freely and hung right from halfway but still going strongly and closing when fell 4 out.

GENERAL OFFICER (IRE) turned in his first poor effort as a chaser, perhaps no coincidence this was the first time he's faced more than 5 rivals in a race over fences; ridden more patiently, off pace on inner, shaken up twelfth, no response.

JET PLANE (IRE) wasn't seen to best effect as he had his winning run ended, going for home much too soon having already faced competition for the lead at times; made most until 4 out, faltered quickly.