held up and jumped slowly 2nd, closer order approaching 4th to track leaders, ridden and every chance 3 out, weakened approaching 2 out
led, till joined and headed 3 out, ridden approaching 2 out, stayed on and every chance last, soon one pace
tracked leaders, narrowly led 3 out, ridden soon after, kept on
held up, ridden 4 out to chase leaders, weakened approaching 2 out
tracked leaders till blundered 4th, ridden and soon lost place, tailed off when pulled up before last
This looks a match between Desmond Tutu and The Newsman, with preference for the latter who should make the most of his fitness. The Newsman is a course and distance winner and in fact is something of a standing dish at the Sussex track, with six of his eight career victories coming here. He is adept over hurdles and fences, and his latest success, over timber, has been advertised by the subsequent win of the third Val De Fleurie. Desmond Tutu comes from a powerful stable and was ultra-consistent last term. However, the fact remains that he has been absent for 167 days and that might count against him. Sure to improve for the run, he will no doubt pay to follow, but for now we would prefer to side with The Newsman who gets the vote.
