King happy with Howle triumph
His performance in the second division of the Corscombe Novices’ Hurdle did not have the layers running for cover as Robert Thornton had him in command much further from home than intended and he had to be ridden right out to score by three lengths from the promising Dictum.
King, who also houses the ante-post Triumph favourite Trouble At Bay in his stables, was pleased with the performance of Howle Hill, who remains a 20-1 shot for Cheltenham with Coral.
The trainer said: “Robert said he’d ridden a horlicks of a race to get there as early as he did as the plan was to take it up at the last.
“But what is pleasing is that following the setback he incurred with an infected leg after running at Huntingdon, he’s back. Now I’d like to take him to Cheltenham on Pillar Chase day to give him some experience of the course.”
Paul Nicholls landed an incident-packed Tote Bookmakers Handicap Chase with the well-backed 6-4 favourite Howdydoody, who outstayed his rivals under Ruby Walsh to beat Ross Minster nine lengths.
With several of the field failing to complete, this was a race of changing fortunes, but Howdydoody, detached in the early stages, was well on top in the home straight.
Nicholls said: “This was only his second run over fences and he still has his novice status. The plan now is to come back here next Saturday for a £25,000 race.”
