Pink flushed with success at Taunton
I'm In The Pink made the most of a drop in class by claiming a routine victory in the toteplacepot Selling Hurdle at Taunton today.
The six-year-old had been plying his trade in novice chases, on the Flat and even in an all-weather bumper on his latest start, but solid support saw him sent off the 7-4 favourite for this minor event.
Guided by Tony McCoy, the David Evans inmate slipped through to take the lead on the run to the final flight, and only had to be pushed out to beat market rival Perfect Reward by four and a half lengths.
The Alan King-trained Iolith made it two from two for the season with a most impressive performance in the toteexacta Flexi Betting Novices' Hurdle.
Like so many of the trainer's string, the German recruit looked off colour on his first campaign on British soil, but now appears rejuvenated.
The 100-30 chance, a winner at Kempton in November, travelled well for Robert Thornton and was one of a number still in with a chance after jumping the second last.
But once asked to quicken clear, the five-year-old quickly put the race to bed and passed the post with seven lengths in hand over Spirit Is Needed.
Walk Tall (4-1) recorded the first victory of his career with a game performance in the totesuper7 Novices' Handicap Chase under Aidan Coleman.
Douryna led the field into the straight, with Walk Tall and Chilla Cilla both within striking distance.
Walk Tall made a slight error at the second from home, with his nose touching the ground, but he did not appear to lose too much momentum.
Chilla Cilla took a marginal lead heading towards the final obstacle, but Venetia Williams' seven-year-old got away from it the quicker to score by a length and a quarter.
