Fakir D’oudairies storms home to seal emphatic win in Marsh Chase
Fakir D’oudairies finally landed the big pot his consistent efforts have deserved in recent seasons when bolting up in the Marsh Chase at Aintree.
Second in six Grade 1s throughout his career, including last time out in the Ryanair
Chase at Cheltenham, he was declared to run at Fairyhouse on Monday but pulled out on account of the quick ground.
Connections had been hoping for a softer surface on Merseyside - but the way he travelled and jumped on this occasion suggests there will be no worries in the future.
Sent off the 2-1 favourite, Fakir D'oudairies shot clear under Mark Walsh to give
Joseph O'brien a notable win, with Nuts Well holding off Itchy Feet for second, 11 lengths away.
O'brien said: "We're delighted with his win. Mark gave him a great ride, he jumped great and got into a great rhythm today. He's been running against the best of the best and always runs his race. We're very proud of his win today.”
Meanwhile, My Drogo can
give the formidable team of Dan and Harry Skelton a Grade 1 win in the Betway Mersey Novices' Hurdle today.
Sent off an unconsidered 50-1 shot on his debut in a Cheltenham bumper in October, My Drogo has since won all three races over hurdles.
He hinted at his promise when winning a Grade 2 on just his second outing at Ascot, where he had none other than subsequent Betfair Hurdle winner Soaring Glory back in third.
He then headed up to Kelso in early March for another Grade 2, and conceding a penalty to some promising rivals, the result was never in doubt. Although he faces a different calibre of opposition here, it will take a smart one to beat him, with the step up in trip promising to bring out even more improvement.