SPINNER BACKED TO BE A WINNER

PUNTERS have latched on to Sam Spinner ahead of the bet365 Charlie Hall Chase, as he puts his perfect record on the line.

Jedd O’keeffe’s stable star was backed into 3-1 (from 9-2) with Coral yesterday for Saturday’s feature at Wetherby.

The unbeaten chaser won his first two starts over fences at the track and is all set for his first run in 322 days, having been sidelined by injury.

“Although Jedd O’keeffe said he found the Charlie Hall entries scary, punters have not been out off backing Sam Spinner for Saturday’s race and nd he is now clear second nd favourite,” said Coral spokesman David Stevens.

Last seen when taking a Grade 2 at Doncaster before Christmas, Sam Spinner (above) is rated the main threat to favourite Cyrname – if he runs.

Trainer Paul Nicholls also has the handicap option of the Sodexo Gold Cup at the chaser’s beloved Ascot, where he would be saddled with to top weight.

■ OISIN MURPHY rode his 1,000th career winner in Britain last night w when Perfect Sign (4(4-1) struck at S Southwell. th

Sporting the silks of his main employer Qatar Racing, the talented Irishman sent the filly two-and-three-quarter lengths clear of her rivals in the Play Ladbrokes 5-A-side On Football Fillies’ Novice Median Auction Stakes.

Murphy, 25, is on course for his second jockeys’ championship, despite a strong challenge from William Buick.

■ CORAL and Ladbrokes will no longer be seen in the betting ring after parent company GVC announced it was ceasing the operation of all of its 106 racecourse betting pitches.