OPTIC SEES IT THROUGH
Twister’s mudlark toughs it out in Charlie Hall clash
Ballyoptic made his proven stamina tell in a gruelling renewal of the Charlie Hall Chase at Wetherby.
Sam Twiston-Davies was never far from the head of affairs on father Nigel’s 11/4 shot as Top Ville Ben made the running for Sean Quinlan on the testing ground.
Proven mudlark Aso (7/1) took over the lead turning for home on his first try at three miles but he could never shake off the winner who pulled to the front two out.
Elegant Escape (6/1) tried to throw down a challenge in the closing stages but he could never reach the winner who plugged on gamely to land the Grade 2 contest by four lengths.
Aso ran a blinder in third but the red-hot 5/2 favourite La Bague Au Roi jumped poorly and was pulled up four out by Richard Johnson.
Twiston- Davies Senior said: “Ballyoptic will definitely be entered in the Betfair Chase at Haydock.
“We’ve probably got the winner of that in Bristol De Mai but if we can have the one-two that would be lovely.
Joe Reilly
He’ll be handicapped out of absolutely everything now, so why not?”
Paddy Power was cut to
33/1 from 50s for the Grand
National at Aintree in April.
The Worlds End (7/2) got his career back on track in the West Yorkshire Hurdle.
Tom George’s gelding had a tough time of it in novice chases last year but showed on ill effects as he jumped and galloped his rivals into submission.
The race was over once
Adrian Heskin went on two out with the duo cruising home five lengths clear of Unowhatimeanharry (7/2) in the Grade 2.
Vinndication (2/1 Fav) absolutely bolted up in the
Sodexo Gold Cup at Ascot.
Kim Bai ley’s chaser relished tackling three miles in the Grade 3 and powered to a five-length win over Regal Encore
(20/1) under David Bass.