took keen hold, led early, chased leader to over 6f out, ridden and weakened over 3f out
pushed along 7f out, headway over 5f out, one pace final 2f
steadied start, held up, brief effort over 3f out
pulled hard, chased leaders, ridden and weakened 3f out
tracked leader over 6f out, carried head high and led approaching final furlong, narrow advantage and edged left inside final furlong, ran on
soon led, edged right and headed approaching final furlong, every chance and edged left inside final furlong, ran on, just failed
This looks to be a match on paper between Sullenberger and CALLING VICTORY and the latter just gets the nod. Both the leading players have experience over course and distance, having finished runner-up at the track when debuting last month, and both are certainly capable of improvement. As is stands, the selection recorded a slightly better time than the runner up on their respective first runs and so we just prefer him to come home in front here. Gulf President has not been seen since running with credit on his heavy ground York debut in July and with the yard in reasonable form there are prospects that he could make the frame here. It's a race that won't live long in the memory and with little else appealing we'll take Calling Victory to have the shout.
Topflightrebellion 33-1 (8-2) Behind, ridden and stayed on one pace 2f out, no extra final furlong, 5th of 9, 7l behind Highland Love (9-6) at Beverley 1m 2f 3yo hcp (5) gs in Aug.
Gulf President 10-1 (9-3) Held up, ridden halfway, kept on but no impression from over 1f out, 5th of 8, 5l behind Rising Prospect (9-0) at York 7f 2yo mdn (3) hvy in Jul.
One Scoop Or Two Needwood Blade gelding out of Rebel County.
Piccolo Express 50-1 (9-3) Always in rear, 7th of 8, 13l behind Burza (8-12) at W'hampton 1m 1f 3yo mdn (5) pol in Feb.
Sullenberger (IRE) 10-1 (8-8) Held up, ridden over 2f out, kept on to take 2nd close home, no chance with winner, 2nd of 4, 5l behind Gaily Noble (8-7) at W'hampton 1m 1f mdn stk (5) pol in Feb.
Calling Victory (FR) 14-1 (8-2) Held up last, headway over 2f out, went 3rd over 1f out, stayed on to take 2nd and chase winner inside final furlong, always held, 2nd of 7, 1 1/2l behind Badge of Honour (8-7) at W'hampton 1m 1f mdn aut stk (5) pol in Feb.
Manhattan Mouse Mull of Kintyre filly out of Norbella.