led 3rd, made rest, hit 3 out, stayed on strongly, readily
chased leading pair, not fluent early, effort approaching 2 out, soon beaten
level until 3rd, chased winner, ridden approaching 2 out, no impression
Ferdy Murphy's runners have tended to be badly in need of the run this season so teh chances are that Underwriter may have to settle for a minor role here and a safer bet may prove to be Latimer's Place, who gets the vote ahead of the other runner Bubble Boy. The selection, like the other two runners, lacks a recent run so fitness has to be taken on trust but Nick Gifford is capable of producing one to win first time out and, having slipped to a fair mark, he may be worth chancing. Bubble Boy obviously has to be respected and would have claims if fit enough for his return but in a tricky contest it is Latimer's Place who gets the vote.
Latimer's Place 4-1 (11-4) Held up, pushed along approaching 8th, weakened from 5 out, 4th of 5, 35l behind Little Big Horse (11-8) at Market Rasen 2m 6f hcp chs 0-135 (3) sft in Mar.
Underwriter (USA) 14-1 (9-12) Tracked leaders on outer, 3rd 6 out, ridden after slight mistake 3 out, 4th and no impression from next, 4th of 9, 11l behind Olney Lad (10-11) at Punchestown 3m 1f nov hcp hdl gd in Apr.
Bubble Boy (IRE) 6-1 (11-3) In touch, mistake 1st, weakened after 17th and pulled up 3 out in race won by Lahinch Lad (9-8) at Wincanton 3m 1f hcp chs 0-120 (3) gf in May, 7 ran.
