NECK ON THE LINE
Midgley’s sprinter strikes late to land glory at Musselburgh
Line Of Reason landed a dramatic renewal of the Scottish Sprint Cup on Ladies’ Day at Musselburgh.
Joe Fanning was content to bide his time on Paul Midgley’s 11-1 shot as the front-running El Astronaute set a scorching pace in the fast conditions under Jason Hart.
The seven- year- old still had a fair bit to do as Harry Hurricane (9-1) powered clear a furlong out but the seven-year-old came late and fast to deny the leader by a neck in a driving finish.
Kimberella (9-1) was third ahead of Caspian Prince (16-1) while 11-2 favourite Orion’s Bow didn’t enjoy the best of passages and finished well down the field.
Midgley said: “That was great. He’s always been a good horse but we just lost him for a bit in Dubai over the winter and after he came back, it’s just taken a while to get him back.
“Fast ground and speed is what he’s all about really. He was due a bit of luck too as he’s not had too much in the past.
“Joe gave him a good ride, he kept it simple as the horse likes something to aim at.
“He’s entered at Beverley on Tuesday and I might be tempted to go there, we’ll see how he comes out of this, but the Rockingham in Ireland would be the race for him.”
Earlier, Midgley also bagged the consolation Tartan Trophy with Orient Class (16-1).
The six-year- old travelled sweetly in the five- furlong contest and only had to be shaken up by Connor Murtagh to beat Zac Brown (13-2) by a length-and-a-quarter.
Midgley added: “I thought he might find this ground a bit quick but he travelled well and looked like the winner from a fair way out.
“Connor gave him a good ride. He claims 7lb but it’s a big 7lb. He won well and I’m sure that the handicapper wi l l have his say now. It’s nice to win a big prize with him though and it ’ s been a very good day.”
Jim Goldie flew the flag for Scotland as Great Fighter (11-4) followed up last month’s course win in the Stobo Castle Ladies’ Day Gold Cup.
Local handlers dominated the two- mile contest with Keith Dalgleish’s Kensington Star (9-4 Fav) and Sebastian’s Wish (9-2) second and third.
Renfrewshire trainer Goldie said: “For a big horse he acts very well here and he’s also a winning hurdler. He’s won on the Flat at 1m 6f to two miles now and hopefully he’ll improve enough to get into the Ebor at York in August.
“He’s an exciting prospect for the summer and remember he was good enough to finish third in the Swinton Hurdle at Haydock last month.
“He’s certainly a horse to look forward to either over hurdles or on the Flat.”
The card opened with a real shock as John Ryan’s newcomer Roland Rocks (20-1) scored under Cam Hardie for Scottish- based owner Gerry McGladery. Punters suffered another reverse as Mark Johnston’s even- money favourite Khamaary was pipped by Lincoln Rocks (10-1) in the fillies’ handicap.