Saunter hits stride for Williams brace

SAUNTER came with a decisive late flourish to win the Betfred November Handicap at Doncaster and complete a notable across-thecard double for trainer Ian Williams.

Just moments after Williams had seen London Prize win the Grade Two Elite Hurdle at Wincanton, Saunter was delivered with a perfectly-timed run by Jim Crowley to lift the main Flat prize of the day.

Storm King set out to make all with Steve Drowne setting only a moderate tempo through the early stages and he was still on the front end at the top of the straight.

They were lining up to challenge in behind though, with favourite Royal Line making his bid for home with a quarter of a mile to run.

However, his run began to falter with a furlong to run, just as Crowley was hitting top gear on Saunter (6-1), who sprinted away down the middle of the track.

Chelsea Lad tried to go with him but had to settle for second, with Eddystone Rock third and Storm King a game fourth.

Williams said: ‘It’s not a bad 20 minutes to have in any training career. It’s lovely to do it on the flat and over jumps.

‘I think he’s beaten quite a quality field. I thought he had a lot to do two furlongs out, but Jim has given him a great ride.

‘Michael Watts (owner) has been extremely supportive of me and has always given me a chance with decent horses. They are famous colours, so it’s fantastic. This fellow was sent to us two months ago.’

At Aintree, Unowhatimeanharry dug deep to make a successful start to his campaign in the Read Noel Fehily At 188Bet Hurdle at Aintree.

Barry Geraghty settled the JP McManus-owned nine-year-old in behind the front-running Top Notch, who was a leading novice chaser last season and was making his first appearance over the smaller obstacles since finishing fifth in the 2016 Champion Hurdle.

Nicky Henderson’s charge came under pressure and his challenge faded, leaving Unowhatimeanharry’s stamina to come to the fore in the final furlong as he pulled a length and a half clear of Value At Risk.