The absence of Marco Botti from Pontefract may have put a few people off the chances of Law Of The Range in the Weatherbys Bloodstock Insurance Pipalong Stakes, but it was a good omen to those close to the horse.
Botti's four-year-old has now won five of her 11 starts, yet the Italian trainer has not been present for any of her victories.
Given an easy time at the head of affairs, the in-form Silvestre de Sousa saved plenty in front before kicking for home over two furlongs out, and after the favourite Dark Promise flattered to deceive, Fontley and last year's winner Off Chance arrived from the rear to claim minor honours.
Winning owner Chris McHale said: "Marco has never seen her win and it is a standing joke now. He's actually sorting out the move to his new yard. We were happy when the favourite challenged so early as I knew she'd pull out more. There's a Group Three at Goodwood (Oak Tree Stakes) that I'd be keen to have a crack at next."
Geoff Oldroyd was singing the praises of Brazilian-born De Sousa after he brought Lady Royale (4-1) with a withering run down the centre of the track to win the Jeff And Margaret Smith Memorial Handicap going away by a length.
The trainer said: "I thought she'd win but then we got to the track and she came into season. I rang Reg (Bond, owner) and he said to run and I'm glad we did. This is her ideal track as she needs a stiff five. Silvestre is brilliant and I'm glad he's getting the rewards as he works so hard."
Thunderball is not the first sprinter to find a new lease of life since joining Dandy Nicholls and registered his fourth win this year, all for Leonna Mayor, in the King Richard III Handicap.
The five-year-old is trained at Nicholls' satellite yard in Retford and his assistant, Scott Dixon, owner Paul Dixon's son, said: "He's been thereabouts on turf before but never managed to win, so that's pleasing. He's improved this year - we've changed a few things and they must have worked."
Kevin Ryan and Phillip Makin combined with King Kurt (6-1) to win the Yorkshire Racing Summer Festival Handicap. Having been at the head of affairs throughout, he showed a nice turn of foot to beat Hidden Glory by three and a half lengths.
The trainer said: "That was a nice performance and he quickened nicely off an even pace. That's the first time he's changed gear, so he might just be learning about the job. He's in at Hamilton on Saturday but probably won't run now."
Posts
