JOHNSON’S CAPITAL THEORY THE AYR APPARENT

MARK Johnston (right) sends the Jim Walkerowned CAPITAL THEORY (4.39, Nap) to contest the Virgin Bet Free Bets For Winners Handicap at Ayr on his first start of the year.

It’s his first in handicaps and first since being gelded, and he gets the nap vote with a number of positives to consider.

The son of Muhaarar showed loads of ability despite starting slowly on his first two starts in hot maidens at Goodwood and York (Convivial) and is well treated based on the collateral form of those runs.

He ended his juvenile campaign with a poor effort here but is the type to have benefited markedly for another summer on his back, and he could make his opening mark of 79 look lenient if all is well.

Third

On debut, Capital Theory was third to Imperial Fighter, who was placed in the Irish 2000 Guineas, and behind him there was Khanjar, made favourite to win the Ayr Gold Cup off 100 last week.

In the Convivial (the richest maiden for juveniles all season) at York, he was fourth to Derby runner-up Hoo Ya Mal, and just half a length behind Vintage Choice, who only narrowly failed to defy a mark of 87 at Haydock on Friday.

Normally, a long absence would be a concern, but recent handicap debut wins for

Wadacre Grace and Pillar of Hope give encouragement.

Both were returning from a long break to score on handicap bow, and the latter had also been gelded.

Of 31 runners turning out for the first time since being gelded for the stable this season, nine have won.

Given the promise Capital Theory showed on his first two starts, I’m happy to trust the stats and row in with him.