led, hampered by loose horse 7 out, headed 3 out, outpaced before 2 out, kept on same pace
in rear, unseated rider 8 out
tracked leader, ridden to lead 3 out, headed 2 out, kept on and no chance with winner
tracked leaders, mistake 3rd, ridden before 2 out, in 3rd before last, one pace
in touch, pushed along before 5 out, weakened before 4 out
held up in touch, went 3rd from 7 out, led 2 out, clear before last, eased towards finish
Call Me Vic won at Aintree around this time last year and is only 3lb higher. He’s the senior runner in this but should still give a good account, though POKER SCHOOL looks the one to be on. Ian Williams’ gelding was ahead of Cusheen Bridge when just touched of by Wolf Sword at Wetherby last month. Cooking Fat has been knocking on the door since returning to action so rates a danger and Markov made a winning start over fences at Fontwell, though would have preferred easier ground like the returning Takingrisks.
Call Me Vic (IRE) 20-1 (11-5) With leader, mistake 14th, ridden and outpaced after 4 out, 7 lengths down when left disputing lead briefly next, no impression with front pair from 2 out, lost modest 3rd flat, 4th of 16, 14 1/4l behind The Romford Pele (11-9) at Aintree 3m 1f hcp (2) gs in Oct.
Poker School (IRE) 9-4 (11-9) Held up towards rear, headway before 4 out, went 3rd before last, every chance run-in, just held post, 2nd of 8, shd behind Wolf Sword (11-0) at Wetherby 2m 3f hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Takingrisks (IRE) 25-1 (10-9) Towards rear, outpaced before 9th, struggling from 11th, tailed off and pulled up after 11th, at Aintree 3m 1f hcp lst (1) gd in Apr.
Cusheen Bridge (IRE) 33-1 (11-5) Held up behind, headway 10th to chase leaders, led 2 out, headed last 100 yards, no extra, 3rd of 8, 3 1/2l behind Wolf Sword (11-0) at Wetherby 2m 3f hcp (3) gs in Nov.
Cooking Fat 2-1 (11-7) Held up in 4th, tracked front pair 11th, went 2nd 2 out, soon ridden, stayed on to challenge and every chance flat, no extra closing stages, 2nd of 6, 3l behind Federici (11-6) at Kelso 2m 6f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Markov (IRE) 8-1 (10-11) In rear, headway 3 out, led last, kept on well towards finish, won at Fontwell 2m 6f hcp (3) gs in Nov beating Private Malone (10-12) by 1 1/2l, 6 ran.
