Vale takes victory

Cape Vale put up a determined effort from the front to land the totepool A Better Way To Bet Handicap at Southwell for Adrian and David Nicholls.

The 9-1 chance was searching for his first victory in 2010 and jockey Adrian soon had him setting the pace.

The five-year-old was under the pump from the turn for home but kept responding for pressure on the testing all-weather surface to score by a length and a quarter.

Imprimus Tagula filled the runner-up spot, with favourite Love Delta just a head away in third.

The winning jockey said: “He’s done it well. It was his first time on the surface but I thought it would suit, especially with the track riding slow.

“He travels strongly so I could just bounce him out in front and once I did that it was pretty much A to B stuff really, as not much is coming from off the pace.

“Obviously we weren’t getting any kickback in front and it’s worked out great.

“I think his last win was at Haydock last year and I did exactly the same on him then.

“I’m not sure what the plan is with him but we know he goes on the surface now, which is a big bonus.

“Hopefully we’ll have a bit of fun with him through the winter for Lady O’Reilly (owner).”