Creek Chepstow bid in the balance
Owner David Johnson was non-committal about Over The Creek’s participation in the Coral Welsh National – despite the authoritative manner of his Hereford success.
The eight-year-old was chopped by totesport into 16-1 for the Chepstow feature on December 27 after the 11-8 favourite trotted up in the wyevalleygroup.com Beginners’ Chase by an eased-down four lengths under Tony McCoy.
Despite seemingly well treated for the Welsh National, Johnson remained tight-lipped on Over The Creek’s next port of call.
“I know he is in the Welsh National but I’ve still got four at this stage,” said Johnson.
“It hasn’t been a very lucky race for me though, in fact I don’t even think I’ve had a finisher in the race!
“On his hurdle form he was well clear on the ratings so he’s done it as he should have done really and Ferdy Murphy’s horse (Shouldhavehadthat) was upsides and going well when he fell.
“That took a bit away from the race because according to the betting it was a three-horse race and the second favourite finished second so I’m not sure what the form is worth.
“I’m pleased to have a winner but it’s just a shame Timmy Murphy (retained jockey) wasn’t on him.
“I think I’ve had nine winners since he’s been suspended and it must be rubbing salt into the wounds.”
Pipe also won the opening Lindley Catering Amateur Riders’ Novices’ Handicap Hurdle with Brousse En Feux, a fourth career winner for Danny Cook.
Despite being lumbered with top-weight, the four-year-old filly travelled sweetly through the race and came with a challenge before the home straight.
She quickened up nicely when 7lb claimer Cook sent her to win the race and came home snugly as the 3-1 favourite.
Mika’s Fable was the only one to throw down a serious challenge in the straight but could never quite get on terms and was two and a half lengths down at the line. Jigsaw Dancer was third.
“She travelled well,” reflected Cook.
“I decided to kick on turning for home and they couldn’t catch me.”
Pennek made a fine introduction to the hurdling game under Robert Thornton - but his 4-1 success in the Weatherbys Messaging Service Novices’ Hurdle came as a surprise to trainer Alan King.
“I’m delighted, but a little bit shocked,” said King.
“First time over hurdles, I didn’t think he’d know the job enough to do himself justice. He’s a big, backward baby but he jumped grand.”
Thornton also landed the Richard Davis Memorial Handicap on Richard Lee’s Pedros Brief (8-1) to earn a 44-1 double.
Sam Thomas continued his unbelievable run with a 5-1 double on the Venetia Williams-trained Never So Blue (5-4 favourite) in the Fred Rimell Memorial Novices’ Chase and Paul Nicholls’ Take Me There (7-4 favourite) in the concluding bumper.
Christian Williams was also on the scoresheet when booting home Sonnengold (2-1) to a four-length verdict over Penric in the RS Signs And Engraving Selling Hurdle.
