Seen impresses on bumper bow
Carl Llewellyn is always a trainer to be feared in bumpers but even he will rarely have sent out a more impressive victor than his Stratford representative Have You Seen Me.
After bowling along in front under Noel Fehily in the SIS Maiden Open National Hunt Flat Race, the newcomer simply moved further and further clear, eventually scoring by 20 lengths at odds of 7-2.
Llewellyn reported: “We knew it would take a good one to beat him as he does work nicely at home. I’d have to talk to the owners about plans now though.”
Tom Scudamore successfully teamed up twice with David Pipe, most valuably on I’m So Lucky.
Carrying the colours of Roger Brookhouse, there was money for the gelding despite a lacklustre performance on his debut for the yard 100 days earlier.
Although he had a couple of hairy moments, Scudamore was able to relax after the last as I’m So Lucky (11-2) captured the ianwilliamsracing.com Handicap Hurdle by eight lengths.
“Mr Brookhouse sent him, along with some others, to us at the start of the year and this is our first win together,” said Scudamore.
Brookhouse added: “I just don’t think the horses were right earlier in the year. He has a Cheltenham entry but I don’t think he will get in.”
Scotland Yard (3-1) also came into the JP Seafoods Beginners’ Chase under a cloud and had even been schooled before leaving for the course.
Pulled-up on his first try over fences, he was a different prospect here, winning by a distance.
Although Scudamore slightly went across favourite Down’s Folly turning for home, his rival looked tired as he crashed through the last.
Light Yield gave a boost to the chances of several Triumph Hurdle prospects by winning the Voute Sales Juvenile Novices’ Hurdle.
Lucy Wadham’s chestnut had placed behind both Songe and Celestial Halo but despite such form, he had a lot on his plate with three flights remaining.
However, Dominic Elsworth hauled Light Yield (9-4) back into contention and picked off Fredo and 11-10 favourite Norman The Great.
“I can’t believe he got back up but he won quite well in the end,” said Wadham.
“Dominic said it was soft enough for him and we might give him one more run before putting him away.”
Councillor Jack (13-8) is evidently highly-valued by connections, who paid 10,500 guineas to keep him after he romped away with the Racecourse Video Services Selling Hurdle.
Nicky Richards sent only Native Coral down from his Cumbrian base but the 3-1 favourite paid off all the expenses as a decisive winner of the Voute Farm Handicap Chase.
Dave Mansell drove Why Connie (11-2) out to take the Knight Frank Novices’ Hunters’ Chase.
