Wylie keeps his cool
Owner Graham Wylie was adamant Howard Johnson’s string would return to form in time for the Cheltenham Festival after his welcome winner at Catterick.
The well-regarded Cool Operator cruised home by five lengths in the Call 01748 810165 For Raceday Hospitality Novices’ Hurdle.
Wylie and Johnson hold strong claims at the Festival with Tidal Bay in the Arkle and Inglis Drever, who will bid for a third victory in the Ladbrokes World Hurdle.
“I was never really that worried about the form, it happens at some point every year and now they are running to form,” said Wylie.
“We’re coming to form just at the right time.”
Of Cool Operator, Wylie added: “It’s encouraging because he had been one of those that had been coughing.
“He’s a chaser in the making, Denis said he travelled well, jumped great and he’s got gears.”
Sue Smith’s horses are in good nick at the right time of year and Stagecoach Amber (8-1) provided another win for the Bingley handler in the Book On-Line At catterickbridge.co.uk Maiden Chase.
The six-year-old jumped for fun at the head of affairs under Richie McGrath, who is in the process of enjoying his most productive season in the saddle.
Turbo Shandy stayed on to pressurise the winner after the last but was one and a quarter lengths down at the line.
“The horses are going really well at the minute,” said Smith’s husband, Harvey.
“He has been waiting for this better ground as he bounces off it.
“He’s only six and he’s always looked a chaser in the making.”
Silver Seeker, ridden by Dougie Costello, won the Go Racing At Wetherby On 15th March Handicap Hurdle on his first start for Pauline Robson.
Off the track for 11 months, the eight-year-old grey led home another two greys in Smart Man and Pendle Forest.
“That was great as that was his first run for us,” said David Parker, the winning trainer’s partner.
“They all seem to be in really good heart at the moment so we hope it continues.”
Silver Seeker’s victory came at a small price for Costello, who was suspended one day (March 16) for careless riding.
Ferdy Murphy is always a man to be feared at Cheltenham and signalled his string are also in decent heart when Kingsbury (4-1) won the Racing UK Selling Hurdle under 7lb claimer Ewan Whillans.
“It was another good ride from Ewan, he wants to learn all the time,” said Murphy’s assistant Niall Hannity.
Kate Milligan had a welcome winner when Springway (5-1) landed the Flat Racing Starts Again On 2nd April Novices’ Handicap Chase under amateur Steve Magee.
Oaklands Luis (18-1) and Tina Jackson managed to hold off the late lunge of the Rose Davidson-ridden Luksar in the John Wade Skip Hire Novices’ Hunter Chase.
Murphy’s son, Paul, was also on the mark in the concluding bumper as Elzahann made a winning debut under Michael O’Connell at 100-1.
“I didn’t have a penny on!” said the younger Murphy. “If I’d known what price she was I would have done.
“She’s a lovely mare, she’s a half-sister to the dam of Breedsbreeze and she only cost me 4,200 guineas two years ago.
“She’s got tons of ability and I think the world of her.”
