Catlin in pole position for jocket title
Chris Catlin is in a far stronger position than Jamie Spencer in the battle to be all-weather champion jockey and pulled three clear of his rival with a sole success at Lingfield today.
The competition ends on March 27 but with Spencer set to be in Dubai in the lead-up to the World Cup in the final week, the Irishman will only have a few more days to re-establish an advantage.
When he returns, the Turf season will be upon us and a beautiful afternoon in Surrey was a clear reminder of things to come.
Catlin is suspended from March 25-27 himself, but was last year's king of the sand and moved to the 65-mark with a powerful ride aboard Sunset Boulevard (2-1) to win by two necks in a tight finish for the freebets.co.uk Premiership Football Free Bets Selling Stakes.
Sunset Boulevard has had several stints with Tor Sturgis, interrupted by a spell with the Alner family but all four of his victories have been for the Lambourn trainer and he is making the most of a second chance.
"He was going to be given away as a riding horse as his owners were moving away. He didn't jump and couldn't breathe but I asked if I could have him back and he has won twice," explained Sturgis.
"I have 10 horses for the Flat and they have all won."
Spencer did not enjoy the most memorable afternoon, finishing fourth on the 4-5 favourite Volito in the freebets.co.uk New Online Betting Forum Median Auction Maiden Stakes despite trainer Jonjo O'Neill's surprising presence.
The six-furlong event was won by debutant Chasca (12-1) who came home nicely under Jim Crowley from the late-finishing True Decision.
"She had a lot of niggly problems last year but seemed to be working nicely and I'd think she'd go well on the grass," said Mark Perrett, husband of trainer Amanda.
Spencer had no luck in finding space in the feature three-year-old 10-furlong handicap - sponsored like the rest of the card by freebets.co.uk - as Dubai Storming could not squeeze through in a blanket finish.
Mark Johnston, top all-weather trainer on the standings, took the spoils with Badge Of Honour, a typical tough and improving one from the stable.
Greg Fairley, on his only ride, was quickly in front and although they were briefly headed at the furlong pole, Badge Of Honour (6-1) got back on the line.
"We got a nice easy lead in front and he's still quite green, just like he was when he won at Wolverhampton last time," said Fairley.
"We were headed but he put his head down when it mattered. I think a couple more runs will put him right."
Chelsea director Alan Spence was given a boost by the Saturday defeat of Manchester United by Liverpool and his luck continued.
Spence's Super Frank (11-4 favourite), named after Mr Lampard, has no problems scoring either and shot away from the front in the six-furlong handicap under Joe Fanning.
Trainer Jon Akehurst reported: "I told Alan there was a Class Four at Kempton or this Class Five at Lingfield, and there's a big difference between the two. He's quick enough for this."
There was an upset in the claimer as previously unplaced 16-1 shot Daily Double crept up on the line.
The drop back to a mile from 10 furlongs seemed to make the difference for Ian Wood's Bee Stinger in the 56-70 rated handicap.
