TOM POWERS TO PLATE WIN
Fanshawe’s charge on a Higher level
The pair had combined to win the Diamond Jubilee Stakes at Royal Ascot with The Tin Man a week earlier.
This time, Higher Power saw out every yard of the extended two-mile trip at Newcastle to land the Pitmen’s Derby.
My Reward set out in front of the 20-strong field but with well over a mile and a quarter to run, Paul Hanagan pushed on aboard Champagne Champ, clearly wanting to set a far more testing pace.
He was still in front turning for home but there were plenty of challengers in behind, not least Higher Power (11-2), who was travelling best of all.
Favourite Flymetothestars briefly looked like going with the winner but just could not quite pick up the pace as Queally set sail for home, with Natural Scenery JASON HEAVEY putting up the best challenge to finish second for Josephine Gordon.
Flymetothestars rallied for third, with Lord George in fourth, just ahead of My Reward.
Fanshawe said: “It’s brilliant. It’s fantastic. My sister owns and bred him so it’s great for all the family.
“He’s a classy horse and he stays well. To win this race you have to have a bit of class.
“We’ll go for black type races now. He’s in the Goodwood Cup but it might just come a bit too soon.”
Queally added: “It was a really great performance.
“I said the other day we always thought he could be a horse who was better than being just a handicapper but that doesn’t automatically mean that you are going to come and win a handicap.
“To be hitting these Saturday winners makes people take notice and I hope James and I can reap the rewards.” WITH rain forecast at Windsor this afternoon, BLAINE has every chance of returning to winning form in the big spring handicap at 4.15.
A surprise winner on his first start for the Golden Horse Racing Club at Newbury, the improving seven-year-old found the ground too quick for him on Derby Day and trailed in 14th of the 16 runners.
And despite having to give weight all round in this six-furlong event, the Brian Barr-trained speedster is taken to see off the challenges of Lincoln and lightweight Iseemist. RED RANNAGH could be the answer to the mile-and-a-half handicap at 5.20 and may have most to fear from lightweight Cordite.
The last named has yet to prove himself over 12 furlongs but shapes as if this test of stamina will suit him.
There are undoubtedly some seriously well handicapped horses lining up in the 3.20 at Cartmel and the vote goes to PRESENTING JUNIOR (NAP).
The 10-year-old ran his best race for some considerable time when staying on second behind Heist at Hexham on his latest appearance.
And now a full 21lbs lower than his last success, he should be