Mister Whitaker has won five chases and will strip fitter for a recent third at Bangor. Espoir De Teillee made all over a much longer trip under Fern O’Brien here 10 days ago, beating the odds-on Cousin Pascal by a distance, so can’t be ignored but Due Reward is chasing a first win since 2019. FIER JAGUEN was only beaten a head on his only previous start under Rules. He’s twice been a wide-margin winner between the flags this winter and looks to be improving so gets the nod.
Espoir De Teillee (FR) 7-4 (12-4) Jumped well, soon led, clear before 4 out, unchallenged, won at Leicester 2m 7f (3) gd in Feb beating Cousin Pascal (12-4) by dist, 4 ran.
Due Reward (IRE) 5-2 (12-0) (cp) (tt) led aft 1-10; wknd aft 3 out, 9th of 14, 30l behind Dawnie Boy (12-0) at Chaddesley Corbett 2m 4f gs in Dec.
Fier Jaguen (FR) 4-5fav (11-10) (tt) made all; drew clr 13; unchall, won at Revesby Park 3m gd in Jan beating Dundrum Wood (11-2) by dist, 4 ran.
Mister Whitaker (IRE) 5-1 (11-12) 2nd until 1st, chased leaders on inside, disputing 2nd 2 out, soon ridden and beaten, weakening when jumped right last, 3rd of 5, 16 3/4l behind Secret Investor (12-6) at Bangor-on-Dee 3m (4) gs in Feb.
Urbanist (IRE) 100-1 (11-12) Chased leaders, pushed along and no response before 4 out, last of 6, dist behind Not That Fuisse (12-6) at Wetherby 3m (5) gs in Feb.
Josh The Plod (IRE) 7-4fav (12-5) Led 9-15; one pce 3 out, 2nd of 5, 10l behind Slievegar (12-5) at Higham 3m gf in Feb.
