Quarterback on the mark at Stratford

Quarterback opened his account after a few fair efforts in the toteplacepot Novices’ Hurdle at Stratford.

Providing a welcome winner for trainer Charlie Morlock, the 13-2 shot was always in the first two and although rider Jimmy McCarthy had to stoke him along from some way out, he still had two lengths in the bag over his nearest rival Pukka Tique at the line.

The 4-11 favourite Malakiya was a bitter disappointment back in fourth.

“We’ve always thought a bit of him since we bought him from the breeze-up sales last year,” said Morlock.

“He just hits a flat spot in his races and was not doing a stroke in front. That will give him a bit of confidence for the future.

“I think that’s eight for the season now. We made a good start last summer and I thought we’d have a good year but a lot went wrong in the winter.”