CATT GETS THE CREAM
Captain conquers National
Captain Cattistock landed a gamble in the bet365 Edinburgh National at a wet and blustery Musselburgh.
Available earlier at 7/1, he was a well-backed 3/1 scorer under Liam Harrison, who was enjoying just his second career strike at the East Lothian venue.
The winner, trained by Fergal O’Brien, claimed the Scottish Festival Trials opening day feature a shade cosily by just under a length from The Wolf. Harrison said: “He gave me a lovely ride all the way round. He might not have won by that far but he was pricking his ears and there was a bit left in the tank.
“It was his first run since May when he pulled up at Haydock last time out and he didn’t like the ground. As we saw today he is much better than that and it’s fantastic to ride a nice Saturday winner.”
Bardenstown Lad is heading to Cheltenham next month after an impressive success in the Scottish Stayers’ Novices’ Hurdle.
He slammed Where It All Began by 11 lengths to give Brian Hayes a maiden winner at Musselburgh on his first ride at the track.
Winning trainer John McConnell said: “We’ve always liked this horse that’s why we’ve looked after him and gave him a break after his win at Cheltenham in October.
“The target now is the Albert Bartlett Novices’ Hurdle at the Festival. He’s conceded a penalty today and he is well worth his place in the line-up.”
Jamie Snowden-trained Kiltealy Briggs is also Cheltenham bound following his battling success in the Frodon Novices’ Chase.
Owner Max McNeill said: “He’s tough and wasn’t disgraced in a Grade 1 at Kempton over Christmas. We’re looking at running him in the Ultima Handicap Chase, which we sponsor.”
Glen Forsa (100/30) hacked up for Lorcan Williams and Charlie Longsdon in the Auld Yin Veterans’
Handicap Chase.