led and soon clear, reduced lead before 9th, narrowly headed after 10th, led again next, clear 14th, blundered and reduced lead 4 out, reminder soon after, in command before 2 out, pushed out flat, comfortably
jumped left at some fences, keen hold and steadied behind leading pair after 3rd, chased winner 7th, led narrowly after 10th, headed next, weakened and lost 2nd 14th, soon lost touch and virtually pulled up, tailed off
took keen hold, tended to jump left, chased winner until 7th, pushed along and outpaced when pecked 10th, rallied to 2nd 14th, closed as winner blundered 4 out, no impression from 2 out
Paul Nicholls has won the last three renewals of this race with odds-on shots and he should be able to complete a four-timer with WATAMU BAY. The selection will relish these gruelling conditions and he can follow-up his bloodless course and distance victory. Penn Da Benn has shown ability for two yards and is sure to be placed to advantage by his new trainer but he's entitled to need this run and can be found easier opportunities than this. Tarateeno progressed well in staying hurdles and handles testing ground but he has something to find on the figures in that sphere and lacks the experience of his rivals.
Watamu Bay (IRE) 8-11fav (10-12) Led until 6th, led next until 8th, left in lead 13th, came clear from 2 out, comfortably, won at Exeter 3m nov chs (3) gs beating Voramar Two (10-12) by 18l, 5 ran.
Penn Da Benn (FR) 4-9fav (11-0) Not jumped well, held up, headway to 3rd after 11th, chased winner 4 out, mistake 2 out, soon beaten, 2nd of 6, 11l behind Pheidias (11-0) at Fakenham 3m beg chase (4) gd in Mar.
Tarateeno 9-2 (11-7) Held up in touch, blundered 2nd, chased leaders in 3rd at 4th, weakened before 2 out, last of 7, 50l behind Viking Blond (11-2) at Chepstow 3m hcp hdl 0-125 (3) hvy in Mar.
