Eaves steers Fine Altomis to victory at Musselburgh

Published on 30/06/2012 01:28

Tom Eaves, who failed to make it to Hamilton from rain-hit Newcastle on Thursday night, was quickly back among the winners at Musselburgh yesterday when Fine Altomis landed the opening Investec Wealth & Investment Edinburgh Handicap.

The Michael Dods-trained gelding stormed away to trounce Daddy Warbucks by four and a half lengths. Eaves said: “The drop in trip and soft ground helped and he’s stuck on really well.”

Mark Johnston introduced a decent newcomer in the shape of Joe Fanning-ridden Strictly Ballroom, who was a cosy two-length winner over Megamunch in the Steadfast EBF Maiden Stakes. “We had little choice but to come for this 5f race, which looked weak but she handled the ground and Joe said we should step her up to 7f,” the Kingsley House trainer said.

Dispol Diva was a very impressive winner of the Turcan Connell Handicap, passing the post with 17 lengths to spare over 15/8 favourite and course specialist Oddsmaker. Winning trainer Paul Midgley said: “We might have to go to Beverley next week although she is due to go up and has no secrets from the handicapper anyway. She is a lovely big tough and genuine filly.”

The Nifty Fox, owned by Kirkcaldy-based Roy Peebles and bred by his wife Norma landed the Investec Wealth & Investment Handicap.