never travelled or jumped with any fluency, chased leading pair, hit 3rd, dropped to last before 6th, well beaten when blundered 3 out, tailed off when pulled up after next
held up in 4th, went 3rd before 6th, went 2nd next, ridden after 2 out, no chance with winner well before last, soon lost 2nd, well beaten and tailed off in 3rd when fell last
led and soon clear, reduced lead 5th, blundered and headed 7th, soon dropped to 3rd, went distant 2nd before and blundered last
chased clear leader, closed 5th, led 7th, drew well clear well before last, easily
Four mares are due to face the starter in this but the finish should probably only concern two of them. Oliver Sherwood's Addiction was just touched off by Young Victoria in a bumper at Towcester in December and clearly has ability but there is a lot more evidence of stamina in the pedigree of VICTRIX GALE, who might just be more effective over this trip. She was still green when only sixth in a Southwell bumper on her latest start but is sure to have been well schooled ahead of hurdling bow. Mekong Miss is only a plater while My Viking Bay has yet to threaten in five attempts over timber so far.
Addiction 8-1 (10-12) Chased leaders, led over 3f out, soon headed, stayed challenging, led over 1f out, headed inside final furlong, every chance thereafter, just held, 2nd of 15, hd behind Young Victoria (10-12) at Towcester 2m N H flat (5) sft in Dec.
Mekong Miss 40-1 (10-8) Raced wide, keen and held up last, headway to 3rd soon after 3 out, one pace and well held when went left last, 3rd of 6, 7l behind Hazy Dawn (10-12) at Plumpton 2m mrs nov hdl (4) hvy in Feb.
My Viking Bay (IRE) 16-1 (10-7) Held up in main group, headway 6th, ridden after next, 4th when not fluent 3 out, soon well held, 4th of 8, 19l behind Mizzurka (11-0) at Hereford 2m 4f mares NH nov hdl (4) gs in Feb.
Victrix Gale (IRE) 9-4 (11-4) Chased leaders, ridden before 2f out, soon outpaced, no impression, 6th of 13, 14l behind Baby Shine (10-11) at Southwell 2m mrs NH flat (4-7yo) (6) gs in Jan.
