Horse racing: Pena Dorada can go extra mile

Following some creditable performances in defeat, the five-year-old got off the mark over fences at the seventh attempt with a determined effort at Hexham in the middle of March. It is interesting trainer Lucinda Russell has decided to step her charge up in trip by a mile, but that should not trouble him given staying appears to be his strong suit. With just four rivals in opposition, it would be a surprise if Pena Dorada does not collect again.

The Thirsty Bricky is fancied to complete a hat-trick in the Princess Royal Trust For Carers Handicap Chase. The 10-year-old won readily at Sedgefield and Ayr in quick succession last month and he looks capable of defying a further hike in the weights. The one concern is the drying ground may not be as testing as he would like, but he should get away with it in this company.

Kim Bailey’s Darna (11-8) could be Ayr-bound as he continued to look a smart prospect when dismissing Prince Of Pirates by 21 lengths in the AP Security Novices’ Chase at Ascot yesterday.

Darna had to recover from a nerve problem earlier in the campaign, but reappeared at Exeter last month in impressive fashion and it was the case again here. Jason Maguire needed to bustle his mount along briefly on the back straight but had mastered the 4-5 favourite before the last fence had been jumped.

Maguire dismounted before the winner’s enclosure and Bailey said: “He wasn’t very happy going down the hill but hopefully he’ll be OK. He’s a nice horse and it depends on the next 48 hours. If he’s all right, he’ll go to Ayr for the Future Champions Novices’ Chase.”

Another possible Ayr runner, in the Coral Scottish Grand National, could be Riguez Dancer, who took the AP Security Handicap Chase under AP McCoy. Not really in form this season, much like trainer Ferdy Murphy, Riguez Dancer (4-1) made little impression in the JLT Specialty Handicap Chase at Cheltenham and had been dropped back in distance here. McCoy’s main rival looked to be Johnson and Safari Journey, but he brushed them off in the home straight by three-and-a-quarter lengths.

“He ran over three at Cheltenham more as a day out for the owners and this was a nice little pot,” said Murphy. “Tony said he was just feeling the ground a little but he did wonder whether he might be a Scottish National horse. He’s versatile and does remind me a bit of (2005 winner) Joes Edge.”

At Doncaster, meanwhile, Penitent rewarded the decision of his connections to bypass the Lincoln by gaining Listed glory at the same track 24 hours later. His win in the Best Odds Guaranteed At william.com Doncaster Mile gave his new owners, Middleham Park Racing, an instant return on their 40,000 guineas investment.

The six-year-old won the Lincoln in 2010 and was bought out of trainer William Haggas’ stable at the Tattersalls October Sales. He would have had to carry top weight in the big handicap, but was withdrawn from Saturday’s race at the final declaration stage. However, he still made a triumphant return to Town Moor for new trainer David O’Meara, who was absent as his wife Sarah gave birth to a baby girl on Saturday. Danny Tudhope brought Penitent (5-1) to challenge towards the centre of the course and led inside the final furlong before defeating St Moritz by a half a length.