3 minute read
Out Do continued his progression for David O'Meara has he landed a slightly controversial victory in the Betfred "Supports Jack Berry House" at York.
Last year's Great St Wilfrid winner was declared to run in the six-furlong handicap on Wednesday but was withdrawn on account of the ground. O'Meara went on to win that race with Algar Lad.
The going had not changed overnight, yet Out Do (6-1) took his chance over a furlong less and sprinted clear under Danny Tudhope, before he drifted left, allowing Red Baron to close to within a neck. Desert Law was third.
"I sprung it on the owner at 8am yesterday that we were going to run him over five furlongs," said O'Meara.
"I'd declared him in both races, but we were due to get some rain and I wanted to have a go at running him over five on some nice ground.
"When the rain didn't come I was happy to let him run in this and I'm glad I did.
"He'll be forced into Listed or Group company now. There are handicaps he can still run in, but they are very hard to win off top weight.
"He's obviously improved again this year."
Alfred Hutchinson put up a game performance to land the Betfred TV Hambleton Stakes.
Balducci took the field along and they were going a fair clip turning for home.
The strong-travelling winner could be spotted moving well in his cheekpieces and he asserted halfway down the straight.
Abseil and You're Fired put down strong challenges through the final 200 yards, but the Geoff Oldroyd-trained seven-year-old held on by a neck from the latter in the hands of Barry McHugh.
Oldroyd said of his 20-1 scorer: "The ground dried up for him which was a big help. It was a great result and we're all very happy.
"Everything dropped right for him today, he had a good draw and a strong pace to run at. We ran him in cheekpieces today having used a visor in the past because he can just pull himself up when he hits the front.
"When things drop right, he's a half-decent horse.
"We will have to think of Ascot now, but I just think he's a bit better coming round a bend because they tend to go a stronger gallop with everyone jostling for position."