Cracking victory for Nichol as Destiny fulfils promise at Perth

Craig Nichol was all smiles after landing Perth’s Autumn Raceday feature race for Borders trainer Alistair Whillans on Cracking Destiny.

The Ha wick partnership teamed up to take the spoils with the 7-1 chance who stormed home with nine and a half lengths to spare over Caius Marcius in the Keep Your Social Distance Handicap Chase.

Nichol said: “It’s the first time I’ve sat on him but I was well briefed by Callum Bewley who was second on him here last time. It didn’t go to plan that we were going to lead so far from home, but he just kept going further and further clear, so it all worked out pretty well.”

Ella Pickard was full of praise for Perth after Getaround, her first runner at the track, landed the Scottish Racing Novices’ Hurdle.

The Nor th Devon handler said: “We came up yesterday and it took nearly all day to get here. But it was worth it as everyone has been really friendly and the hospitality has been brilliant.”

Sent off the 2-5 favourite, Getaround was also a first course winner for Bryan Carver, and Pickard said: “The plan now is to go to Chepstow next month for the Persian War Hurdle which is a Grade 2 race. It’s a big step-up but we think a lot of him. He has won twice on heavy ground but horses by his sire can often prefer it not so testing.”

Meanwhile, at Good wood to day, Nuits St Georges has every chance of being the toast for punters in the Royal Sussex Regiment Handicap.

David Menu i si er’ s stayer heads for the two-mile heat in good form, with two wins from three starts since racing resumed during the summer.

Those races were all over a mile and a three-quarters, but he does stay further and has won over this two miles in the past.

The Mount Nelson gelding ended the last campaign with 12th place in the Cesarewitch and the Newmarket mar ath on could again be on the agenda.

Tick To ch should appreciate the move up to seven furlongs in the European Breeders Fund EBF Fillies’ Novice Stakes.

William H ag gas’ charge turned in a satisfactory performance on her racecourse bow, finishing a three-length four that New bury last month after keeping on admirably at the finish over six furlongs.

Her dam was a Listed winner over a mile and five furlongs, so Tick Toch looks the type to thrive over more of a stamina test in time.