Bold run puts winner into different class

LUCINDA Russell’s potential Cheltenham Festival entrant Bold Sir Brian continued the Milnathort yard’s fine recent run with an effortless win in the John Smith’s Future Champions Novices’ Chase.

The Grade Two hurdles winner has now won three in a row over fences and deserves a step up in class.

Russell said: “I’m still not sure if he’ll go to Cheltenham, the owners aren’t sure if he’s got enough experience for it, but this is the only chance he’ll get to go there as a novice.”

Brian Ellison saddled the first and third in the John Smith’s Scottish County Hurdle at Musselburgh as Stormy Weather and Dontpaytheferryman sandwiched top-weight Ubi Ace in the feature race. Given a perfect waiting ride by Denis O’Regan, the grey was in receipt of 21lb from Ubi Ace, who appeared to have the race in safe keeping when holding a length advantage at the final flight.

Tim Walford’s charge had been up with the pace throughout and went clear at the third last, but O’Regan was at his stalking best. He pounced close home to win by a length with his stablemate, who helped set the pace, a further length and a half away. O’Regan said: “Hopefully there’s more to come and he’d be a super ride in the County Hurdle.”

Donald McCain’s Tara Royal turned the John Smith’s Scottish Champion Chase into a procession. A promising novice last term, injury curtailed his season but he looked a different proposition under Jason Maguire as he sprinted clear of Woody Waller for a four-and-a-half-length win.

“It’s good to have him back. We’d always hoped to get him to Cheltenham and on that run the Grand Annual would look the obvious option for him, but we might sit tight and wait for Aintree.”

Charlie Longsdon made the trip from Oxfordshire worthwhile when winning the first two races. West Brit (8-1) was an impressive winner of the John Smith’s Scottish Triumph Hurdle (Juvenile). Paddy Brennan came north for one ride and in hindsight it was clear why. “That makes the journey worthwhile,” said Longsdon, whose Cross Of Honour (4-6 favourite) had earlier landed the John Smith’s Novice Hurdle under Felix De Giles with little fuss.

Kate Walton’s Everaard (13-2) prevailed for the John Smith’s Stayers’ Handicap Hurdle. Devotion To Duty and Moonlight Drive made it a three-way finish but the course specialist prevailed under Richie McGrath.

John Ferguson’s Cape Dutch took the finale as the 6-4 favourite in the hands of Jack Quinlan.