took keen hold, soon led, narrow lead when mistake and unseated rider 4 out
in rear and tracked leaders, beaten from halfway, left a remote 2nd from 4 out
Rated 140 over hurdles, WHATMORE should make an even better chaser and Henry Daly has found a nice opportunity for him here. Newtown Boy wasn’t quite as good over timber but was no slouch and he should make a race of it with a clear round. Tanrudy was third at Worcester on his fencing bow but tackles better opposition here.
Newtown Boy (IRE) 5-2 (11-6) Tracked leaders, effort before 2 out, ridden and one pace between last 2, never able to get on terms, 4th of 15, 9l behind Elusive Belle (10-13) at Warwick 2m (4) gd in Apr.
Tanrudy (IRE) 8-1 (11-4) Held up behind, smooth headway to track leaders on inside 5 out, effort next, ridden and edged right after 3 out, kept on same pace, no impression with front pair before last, 3rd of 13, 6 1/4l behind Kentford Mallard (11-9) at Worcester 2m 4f hcp (4) gs in May.
Whatmore 9-4fav (11-12) Tracked leader, led after 4 out, driven and headed narrowly 2 out, kept on and every chance flat, soon ridden, not pace of winner towards finish, 2nd of 7, 3l behind Count Simon (11-5) at Perth 2m 4f hcp (3) gs in Apr.