Red Poker is taken to defy a penalty at the expense of newcomer Gunner Jack, with Nocloix just one of many set to battle it out for the remaining place. The first rule in bumpers is normally not to back anything with a penalty, but you have to weight each race up as it comes, and it looks as though Geoff Harker has found a perfect opportunity for Red Poker to follow up. The jump-bred son of Alflora did not go unbacked when opening his account on his Hexham debut in November, and is sure to have come on a bundle for the experience. He meets little of note here apart from Gunner Jack who hails from a stable that can easily get one ready in time. The Nicky Richards challenger is related to decent chasers on the dam's side and runs in the colours of Trevor Hemmings. Substantial support for him would be very interesting and whatever he does today, he is one for the future. The market will tell us if any of the others are remotely fancied, including Nocloix, a half-brother to Florac who was placed over fences in France, but with Red Poker boasting by far the best credentials, he has obvious claims.
Red Poker 3-1 (11-4) Made all, stayed on strongly final 2f, won at Hexham 2m nhf (H) gs in Nov beating My Final Bid (11-1) by 2l, 11 ran.
Gunner Jack Gunner B gelding out of winning jumper Wayuphill.
Mountain Mix 20-1 (11-0) Held up and keen, weakened over 5f out, 7th of 13, 29l behind Stolen Moments (11-2) at Ayr 2m nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Persian Prince (IRE) 33-1 (11-1) Led, soon clear, headed 4f out, soon weakened, 6th of 15, 30l behind Spartacus Bay (10-13) at Aintree 2m 1f nhf (H) sft in Oct.
Sticky End 16-1 (10-11) Tracked leaders, led approaching 4 out, headed 3 out, soon weakened, 9th of 11, 43l behind Spitfire Sortie (11-1) at Newcastle 2m mdn nhf (6) sft in Jan.
Young Bobby 20-1 (11-5) In touch, challenged over 3f out, weakened over 2f out, 5th of 12, 18l behind Wind Instrument (11-5) at Wetherby 1m 6f nhf (5) hvy in Jan.
Eden Linty 18-1 (10-7) Veered left and unseated rider in race won by Mumbles Head (10-12) at Catterick 2m mdn nhf (6) gd in Jan, 14 ran.
Mr Viaillie (IRE) 33-1 (10-2) In rear, stayed on over 3f out, 5th of 15, 25l behind Astarador (10-2) at Catterick 2m nhf (6) gd in Jan.
