Libani still unbeaten
Cedrus Libani remains unbeaten over fences following his third victory but he was made to work a little harder than his odds suggested at Catterick.
Howard Johnson’s runner was sent off the 4-11 favourite for the two-mile “Come Racing Again Next Tuesday” following successes at Carlisle and Aintree and although he came in by three and a half lengths, his jumping was not fluent.
Denis O’Regan put him in the lead at the third-last fence, but he made a mistake there and at the final obstacle and had to be driven along to come clear of Sunday City.
The Arkle Trophy may be a possibility now, but Johnson could have a better prospect for that race in Tidal Bay.
“He’s (Cedrus Libani) come into his own over fences,” the trainer said.
“I bought him off Tom Costello, he didn’t cost a lot of money, and sold him to Matthew Green, who’s a good owner of mine.
“I would say we’ll give him a bit of a break now, he’ll want six weeks. He’ll be well entered at Cheltenham but I don’t think he is a Cheltenham horse, I would nearly say my good horse (Tidal Bay) would go for the Arkle,” Johnson told Racing UK.
Young Smokey cruised away in the Three Score Years And Ten Handicap Chase for Sue Smith and Tjade Collier.
The six-year-old was well in arrears in the early stages as last year’s victor Bang And Blame set a furious pace.
However, Mick Easterby’s veteran could not keep up the gallop and was soon swallowed up.
It was left to Young Smokey (4-1 co-favourite), who was in training with Peter Beaumont last year, to come home nine lengths clear of Blazing Hills.
Smith completed a double in the Have A Happy New Year Conditional Jockeys’ Handicap Hurdle as the Gary Rutherford-ridden Willie The Fish (11-1) beat Seize by a neck.
Another wide-margin victory came in the Zetland Homes Handicap Chase as Harry Hogarth’s Northern Quest – backed from 2-1 into 11-8 favourite – landed the odds in style.
There were reasonable winners of both divisions of the Goodbye 2007 – Hello 2008 Maiden Hurdle.
The first went to Alan Swinbank’s Puy d’Arnac (12-1), who pulled a length and a half away from Fortunate Isle.
The second leg was was fought out between three formerly useful Flat performers but it was John Wade’s Domino Dancer who came out on top.
Given a fine front-running ride by Peter Buchanan, he saw off the challenge of first Halla San and then John Quinn’s Gloucester to win at 4-1.
“He won at the big meeting at Newcastle on the Flat and that was the first winner I had had on the Flat,” said Wade.
“He took to hurdles well. He’s schooled well from day one for a young horse.
“We’ve got nothing planned though and we’ll just see what comes up.”
Selkirk permit holder Rayson Nixon ended a losing streak lasting 271 days as Spivitus (12-1) stole the Buy A 2008 Annual Badge Today Selling Handicap Hurdle close home.
