Verdict

Whistling Straits, Thoutmosis and Star Double look the three to concentrate on in this hunters chase and the narrow vote is given to Whistling Straits. The selection won well last time out when beating Euryalus that form looks solid and under similar conditions here with one of the better jockeys onboard he will be hard to beat. Thoutmosis rates the main danger as he beat Quality First last time but all his best form is on a fast surface and he looks opposable on that basis. Star Double is another that could go well on his latest third behind Flashy Sir but he often finds less than expected off the bridle. Of the remainder Vic's Last Chance could improve for the fitting of first time cheek pieces while Stroon Bank has had plenty of chances in similar races without taking one and for the winner we return to the progressive Whistling Straits.

Formwatch

Whistling Straits (IRE) 11-8fav (12-0) Chased leaders, mistakes, led towards finish, won at Leicester 2m 4f hts chs (5) gs in Feb beating Euryalus (11-7) by a nk, 13 ran.

Sironi (IRE) 50-1 (11-3) Held up in touch, mistake 7th, under pressure 9th, soon lost place, behind when pulled up 5 out in race won by Flashy Sir (11-3) at Fakenham 2m 5f nov hts chs (5) gd, 8 ran.

Star Double (ITY) 5-1 (11-7) Led, hit 3 out, soon headed, weakened approaching last, 3rd of 8, 16l behind Flashy Sir (11-3) at Fakenham 2m 5f nov hts chs (5) gd.

Stroom Bank (IRE) 3-1 (12-0) In tch; lft 3rd 4 out; went 2nd app 2 out; one-pcd, 2nd of 11, 3l behind Rockley Beach (12-0) at Cottenham 3m ptp gf.

Thoutmosis (USA) 4-6fav (12-0) (cp) 2nd til led 13; sn clr, won at Ampton 3m ptp gf beating Quality First (12-0) by 15l, 3 ran.

Vic's Last Chance (IRE) 4-5fav (12-0) Nt jw; went 2nd app 3 out; nt r.o, 2nd of 5, 12l behind Flying Spur (12-0) at Welbeck 3m ptp gf.