Trainer Russell performs impressive Ayr raid with a 230-1 treble

Lucinda Russell was the trainer to follow at Ayr yesterday as she saddled a 230-1 treble courtesy of Five after four, Nety well and Camp Belan.

The first two winners were partnered by Patrick Wadge, a double that saw him return to the head of the conditional jockeys’ table.

Russell said: “It’s great to see Patrick doing so well as it took him almost a year to ride his very first winner a few seasons ago! We will do our best to get him as many winners as possible, although there are other lads to keep going in the yard as well.”

Nick Alexander was on the mark with Sean Quinlan-ridden Arctic Row in the Virgin Bet Best Odds Daily Handicap Chase, a qualifier for the Go North Monet’s Garden Series.

“We might go for the final of this series at Carlisle next month,” the winning trainer said. “Sean gave him a nice ride and kept him wide to give him a good sight of the fences and also to find some better ground.”

Hawick pair Donald Whillans and Craig Nichol struck with Shoeshine Boy in the Virgin Bet Daily Price Boosts Handicap Hurdle.

Today at Kempton, meanwhile, Batal Dubai can resume his progress by winning the Try Unibet's Improved Bet Builder Handicap.

A quality field has assembled for the best race of the day, and Harry Charlton's sprinter can show the benefit of his last run at Newcastle on New Year's Day.

That was his first outing for 74 days, having won at Chelmsford back in October, so it will have pleased connections that he showed up so well for so long in such a competitive race.

Clifford Lee attempted to make all and when he was headed two furlongs out, it could possibly have been expected that he would drop away but he stuck on really gamely to finish third behind Albasheer and the reopposing Five thousand to one.

He is 2lb better off with the runner-up for just over a length on this occasion, so combined with the fact he should strip fitter for the run, he can turn the tables.

Charlie Appleby's Native Approach is the one to watch in the Unibet More Extra Place Races Maiden Stakes.