3 minute read
Virak denied the game Wakanda an all-the-way success in the bet365 December Novices' Chase at Doncaster.
Paul Nicholls' 6-4 favourite turned in a neat round of fencing before asserting on what was a very long run for home with all fences in the straight dolled off due to low sun.
Jason Maguire was still in front on Wakanda and travelling well enough as Kaysersberg crashed out at the final fence, but he started to toil and Nick Scholfield made his move with a couple of furlongs still to run on Virak, who eventually prevailed by 13 lengths to make it three wins in as many starts over fences.
Scholfield, who also won on Kashmir Peak, said: "It wasn't ideal for us omitting the fences in the straight as he's very good at his jumping and he stays every yard of three miles.
"I was keep to stay upsides Jason (Maguire on Wakanda) as it's a very long way weaving in and out and they can get idle. Jumping is his forte. They more you ask him, the more he gives."
Nicholls added: "It's always frustrating when races over fences are reduced to that, especially novices as they need the practice. That was the plan to win today, he's won the same three races as Black Thunder did last season. I've no idea what he'll do next, we'll probably run him at the end of January, but he's improving."
Keith Reveley's 10-year-old Robbie (7-2) gained his third course success thanks to outpointing Galway Jack by a neck after a titanic duel up the run-in in the bet365 Handicap Chase. Top weight and soft ground appeared to be anchoring him, but he found extra reserves in the hands of the trainer's son, James.
The Saltburn handler said: "He loves it here. That ground was just a bit too soft for him. Those last three jumps he just couldn't ping them and he was losing a length at each one, but he's so genuine.
"The handicapper was very kind in putting him up 7lb. Had he given him an extra pound he wouldn't have been able to run. I'd love to bring him back here for the veterans' race, but it's three miles so it would have to be proper good ground and a dry February."
Galway Jack's jockey Andrew Thornton was banned for four days for using his whip above the permitted level and in the incorrect place.
Grandads Horse (9-4 favourite) withstood Night In Milan's late rally to follow up his victory at Ascot three weeks ago in the bet365.com Handicap Chase.
Charlie Longsdon's grand campaigner was five lengths to the good after jumping the last after being held up for most of the race by Daryl Jacob, but the long run-in started to take its toll. Night Of Milan closed the gap, but was a head down at the line.
The trainer said: "He's always been a summer horse and has been on the go since March. His last few runs have always been his last run of the season on good ground and then he bolted up at Ascot off 135. He never won off that high a rating and now's he won off 4lb more.
"We've been dropping him in and that suits him. He got there too soon but was going so well and then he idled in front. We'll have to see what we do with him now. The handicapper will probably put him up a few more pounds."
What are you really gambling with? For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.