Barron’s California dream over
Victory looked far from certain when the 11-8 favourite was being vigorously stoked along fully half a mile out, but to this credit he responded for pressure and poked his nose in front with over a furlong to run.
Having fought his way to the head of affairs, he then displayed a willing attitude in holding the late challenge of 4-1 shot Waterside by three-quarters of a length.
Barron said: “I was never really worried and he’s going the right way, but I think he may well be on his travels now. I think he could be going to Ralph Beckett.
“He went to Doncaster Sales and came back to us, but the instruction was that he’d just have the two more runs for me.
“We’ve won both of them so we can’t complain about that and it’s a shame to lose him.”
Brett Doyle maintained his charge in the all-weather jockey championship when partnering 15-2 chance Dundry to a thrilling head victory in the Pontin’s Book Early Handicap, although he picked up a one-day careless riding ban (February 3) in the process.
Doyle went for a daring run up the inside as the field swung for home and soon delivered his challenge on straightening up. Having fought off eventual third Heathyards Pride, Dundry had to dig deep again to hold off the closing Polish Power.
