led, strongly challenged 3 out, headed next, rallied and every chance after last, no extra close home
tracked leader, every chance 3 out, led next, hard ridden after last, all out
tracked leaders, not fluent 5th, took closer order 4 out, every chance 3 out, weakened after next, modest 3rd
MARKOV has yet to win over timber but has run some fine races in defeat, including last time in a competitive handicap at Ascot. Favoured by the weights here and proven over the trip, Ben Pauling’s novice can get the better of Paul Nicholls’ pair. Rouge Devils has his ground and a 7lb claimer to help reduce his burden so may be more of a danger than Captain Buck's, who has been well beaten at Wincanton since getting off the mark at Kempton. Lord Bryan stays well but lacks an extra gear and has no form on ground this quick.
Rouge Devils (IRE) 1-6fav (11-11) Made all and soon clear, not fluent last, kept on strongly, unchallenged, won at Exeter 2m 6f (4) gf in Apr beating Island Rendezvous (10-13) by 6l, 3 ran.
Captain Buck's (FR) 3-1 (11-11) Led until approaching 2 out, soon lost place, 4th of 5, 37 1/2l behind Misterton (11-11) at Wincanton 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Mar.
Markov (IRE) 8-1 (10-10) Held up in last pair, hit 4 out, headway and pushed along in 5th after 3 out, ridden and no extra in 4th run-in, 4th of 10, 6 3/4l behind Dell' Arca (11-7) at Ascot 3m hcp (3) gd in Apr.
Lord Bryan (IRE) 11-4fav (11-6) Tracked leaders, 2nd before 4th until after 7th, lost place before 4 out, soon behind, pulled up before 3 out, at Uttoxeter 2m 7f hcp (4) sft in Apr.
