held up in rear, went 3rd from 9th, 2nd before 2 out, soon ridden, kept on from last, held towards finish
tracked leaders in 3rd until before 9th, weakened from next
held up towards rear, in rear from 9th, weakened next, tailed off
tracked leader, led 5th, headed 8th, blundered 5 out, led again 4 out, mistake last, kept on
led to 5th, led again 8th, headed 4 out, outpaced before 2 out, plugged on from last
Imperial Vic, a winning point-to-pointer and hurdler, made a sparkling debut over fences at Perth in May and was having his first subsequent start when just touched off by Green Flag at Kelso last month. Cappa Bleu is no doubt beginning his preparation for another crack at the Grand National, where he finished a brilliant runner-up last season, though he did land a strong handicap at Haydock on his reappearance in 2011. Rebeccas Choice needs a thorough test of stamina which he should get here but Vintage Star is more of a threat and would go close if his jumping has been ironed out during the summer. BUDDY BOLERO has the potential to make a very useful staying chaser and started favourite in a Grade 3 handicap at Ascot on his reappearance but was an early faller. This should prove within his capabilities before going on to better things.
Buddy Bolero (IRE) 13-2fav (11-0) Held up until fell 3rd, in a race won by Houblon Des Obeaux (11-3) at Ascot 3m Grade 3 hcp chs (4yo+) (1) gs, 16 ran.
Cappa Bleu (IRE) 12-1 (10-11) Mid-division, tracked leaders 17th, 4th and outpaced before 2 out, ridden and kept on flat, went 2nd towards finish, no impression with winner, 2nd of 40, 9l behind Auroras Encore (10-3) at Aintree 4m 3f (1) gs in Apr.
Rebeccas Choice (IRE) 33-1 (10-1) Towards rear, headway approaching last, kept on flat, never going pace to reach leaders, 7th of 14, 16l behind Al Co (11-0) at Chepstow 3m hcp chs 0-150 (2) gd in Oct.
Vintage Star (IRE) 50-1 (11-4) Not fluent, tracked leaders, reminder after 11th, lost place and behind 4 out, pulled up before 2 out, in a race won by Lord Windermere (11-4) at Cheltenham 3m nov chs G1 (1) gs in Mar, 11 ran.
Imperial Vic (IRE) 3-1 (11-11) Tracked leader, led before 11th, headed before last, rallied run-in, held near finish, 2nd of 10, nk behind Green Flag (11-4) at Kelso 2m 7f nov chs (4) gs in Oct.
