POINT TO POINT
JOHN Dawson extended his lead in the Yorkshire Area Jockeys Championship with a short-priced double on Path To Freedom and Steely Addition on yesterday’s Zetland card at Witton Castle, writes PETER BURGON.
Path To Freedom still had plenty to do in fourth behind the pace-setting Pillowman with a circuit to go in the Veteran Horse Conditions Race before his stamina kicked in going down the back straight. He was closing with every stride from three out and, after hitting the front with a great jump at the last, stayed on strongly to score by two lengths.
Steely Addition made it five wins from six starts in the Men’s Open. The veteran Ravished set a decent pace from the off but had no answer when headed by Dawson’s mount approaching three out.
The 10-year-old quickly settled the issue and, despite being eased right down on the run-in, still had six lengths in hand at the finish.
The former Willie Mullins-trained gelding Vent D’Automne galloped his rivals into submission for the fourth time this season in the Conditions Race. Given a confident ride by Lily Frank, the 10-year-old never looked like being pegged back by River Frost in the closing stages and still had plenty left in the tank as he crossed the line two and a half lengths clear in the best time of the day.
The winner is owned and trained by Lily’s father Paul, who farms 1,000 acres near Yarm. He said: ‘’A flat, galloping track seems to suit him best and he has needed very little work since his last run at Corbridge on Easter Monday.’’
After ending a lean spell on Whostosay at Easingwold last week, Ross Wilson wasted no time in striking again on the 10-year-old in the Restricted Race. His mount made virtually every yard of the running to beat Whitechurch by five lengths.
Witton Castle specialist Royal Chant maintained his 100% record at the track in the Ladies Open. He was delivered with a well-timed challenge by Lois Teal to head Nortonthorpelegend two out before drawing clear to score by three lengths.
Teal, a leading event rider who has won classes at Badminton Horse Trials, has enjoyed a memorable debut season between the flags with three winners.
Nick Orpwood made the most of his only ride on Inviction in the concluding Maiden Race. Sent clear going out on the final circuit, the seven-year-old cruised home eight lengths ahead of Red Opium. Winning trainer Ross Wilson saddled three of the seven runners and chose the wrong one to ride.
RESULTS
2pm, Conditions Race: 1, Vent D’Automne (Miss L Frank) 4/5 fav, 2, River Frost (J Wright) 6/4, 3, Monsun Storm (J Dawson) 5/1, 4 Ran, 2.5,15.
2.50pm, Veteran Horse Conditions Race: 1, Path To Freedom (J Dawson) 4/5 fav, 2, Pillowman (C Furness) 2/1, 3, The Mobile Man (Miss L Teal) 14/1, 5 Ran, 2,15.
3.25pm, Restricted Race: 1, Whostosay (R Wilson) 4/7 fav, 2, Whitechurch (J Wright) Evens, 2 Ran, 5.
4pm, Men’s Open Race: 1, Steely Addition (J Dawson) 2/7 fav, 2, Ravished (T Greenwood) 9/4, 2 ran, 6.
4.35pm, Ladies Open Race: 1, Royal Chant (Miss L Teal) 4/6 fav, 2, Nortonthorpelegend (Miss H Hardy) 9/4, Only 2 finished, 3 Ran, 3.
5.05pm, Maiden Race: 1, Inviction (N Orpwood) 5/2, 2, Red Opium (J Wright) 3/1, El Tornado (J Dawson) 6/4 fav, 7 Ran, 8,8.