Thomas stars before date with destiny

Sam Thomas warmed up for the biggest ride of his career on Kauto Star at the weekend with a confidence-boosting success on board the Paul Nicholls-trained Geeveem at Wincanton.

Thomas bided his time on the 7-2 chance as Nykel and Tom Sayers scrapped it out at the head of affairs, before producing him late in the day to land the Richard & Rosemary Jenks Memorial Handicap by one and a quarter lengths from the former.