held up, fell 3rd
not always fluent, made most until slow 6th, with leader, mistake 9th, no impression on winner 2 out, one pace
led briefly before 1st, prominent, reminder after 6th, 7th and 8th, switched left and led 4 out, clear from 2 out, eased close home
tracked leaders, pecked 1st, went 2nd 3rd until before 5th, led next, headed 4 out, not fluent 3 out, no impression on winner from next
in rear, hampered 3rd, well behind from 6th, jumped left 3 out
held up, closed gradually from 7th, ridden 4 out, not fluent and no impression from 3 out
Sternrubin weakened quickly at Ascot after only winning a match at Exeter and doesn’t look as good over fences as he was over hurdles. Poker School has become disappointing, though has dropped to a fair mark and likes quick ground. Veteran Tornado In Milan really needs softer going and he was beaten in a claiming chase at Ffos Las on his return to action but Atlantic Storm ran quite well at Stratford on his first start for Rob Summers. Robinshill won this last year under Zac Baker when 2lb higher. Subsequent efforts have left much to be desired but it would be no surprise if a return to familiar territory sparked a revival. VIVACCIO lacks a recent run but is also a course and distance winner and his yard has been showing signs of life lately – the bottom weight gets a tentative vote.
Tornado In Milan (IRE) 5-1 (11-9) Chased winner from 2nd, every chance approaching 4 out, ridden after 2nd out, stayed on one pace flat, 2nd of 7, 2 1/2l behind Candy Burg (11-4) at Ffos Las 2m 3f (4) gs in Oct.
Robinshill (IRE) 12-1 (11-12) Prominent, led after 4th, not fluent and headed next, jumped left and ridden 9th, soon struggling, well beaten when mistake 3 out, tailed off, last of 7, dist behind Copain De Classe (11-4) at Kempton 2m 2f hcp (3) gd in Oct.
Sternrubin (GER) 9-2 (11-5) Tracked leader, led after 4th, headed after next, led again before 7th, headed 4 out, weakened after next, 6th of 7, dist behind Wenyerreadyfreddie (10-12) at Ascot 2m 3f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Poker School (IRE) 11-1 (11-9) Always in rear, beaten 3 out, last of 9, dist behind Eragon De Chanay (11-12) at Sandown 2m 4f hcp (3) hvy in Nov.
Atlantic Storm (IRE) 20-1 (10-7) Held up in rear, effort normal 4 out, 3rd before omitted last, no impression, lost 2 places close home, 5th of 8, 13 3/4l behind Cobra De Mai (11-12) at Stratford 2m 3f hcp (3) gd in Nov.
Vivaccio (FR) 9-1 (11-0) Held up in rear, headway 13th, chased leaders 5 out, never on terms, 5th of 10, at Ludlow 3m hcp (3) gd in Apr.
