Three Weekend Eye-catchers 04/02/19

Lord Napier justified a big gamble in the 888Sport Heroes Handicap Hurdle, recording a nine-length victory in tough and grinding conditions at Sandown Park.

Having a ran a career best when third in the Lanzarote at Kempton, a 4lb rise seemed fair on paper on what was his first start in six months over an extended trip.

This 6yo had been crying out for further since recording a smart success at Perth at the back end of last season, and finally relocated his optimum over an extra two furlongs on Saturday.

Having sat in midfield early on, he made good progress to chase the leaders just before two-out where he then soon picked up the running.
Sean Bowen supervised his mount home having jumped the last clear and won very readily.

(Credit At The Races)

Tom Dascombe’s Kachy was simply far too quick for his opposition, in the Listed Betway Cleves Stakes on the All-weather at Lingfield on Saturday.

Prior to the race, he already had a smart record on this surface, and bolted up in a small field on Boxing Day. Having won this last year, he broke smartly as he usually does, and crossed to the rail under a man in top form – Richard Kingscote, who is nearing the 1,000 winners mark.

The 6yo made all and was in command the whole way, kicking clear on the bend for home. Ridden inside the final furlong, the race was already won and another outstanding show of pace from Kachy, who broke a track record for the second race running.

(Credit At The Races)

Wissahickon provided a first winner of the year for Frankie Dettori, as he teamed up with regular partner John Gosden, guiding Wissahickon home in the Listed Winter Derby Trial.

Still progressing, the 4yo Wissahickon had already recorded a perfect two out of two over the course and distance and had to contain with a penalty.

Having chased the leaders, he closed to within a length four furlongs out, before getting hemmed in on the rail by Luke Morris aboard Big Country.

Dettori had to sit patient and wait for the gap to come, which it did well inside the final furlong, and after a quick nudge, the horse breezed past and coasted home smartly. It could be a very bright season ahead for Wissahickon.

(Credit ITV Racing)