Mariners makes winning start for Johnston
A switch to Mark Johnston has clearly brought the best out of Mariners Lodge judged on his facile success in the Overtones Live On Ladies Night Handicap at Ayr today.
Johnston has built up an excellent working relationship with powerhouse owner Sheikh Mohammed, with many of Johnston's most promising youngsters eventually being moved on to the Ruler of Dubai's Godolphin operation.
Mariners Lodge is one of the few to have made a move in the opposite direction, making the journey to Middleham following a couple of disappointing efforts for Mahmood Al Zarooni.
Taking a big step up in distance from six to nine furlongs, the 3-1 chance was always travelling strongly for Silvestre De Sousa and he eased to the front halfway up the straight.
He had put the race to bed by the time he entered the last furlong and only had to be kept up to his work to score by two lengths from High Resolution.
It is an excellent start to a big week for Johnston, who traditionally does well at Glorious Goodwood.
"It was a very nice performance. I don't know what we've beat and I'll have to look at that," said Johnston.
"The step up in trip has clearly helped and I'll be making a few entries for him later in the week for the end of next week. We'll see what the handicapper does."
Cafe Express was sent off a seemingly unfancied 40-1 shot for the Bodog Backs Ayr United Median Auction Maiden but turned in a most impressive display.
Linda Perratt's filly took a while to find her stride but quickened up well in the hands of Tony Hamilton to score by a ready two lengths from Samba Night.
"She's always been a lovely looking filly, but she was just a bit backward to start with before the penny dropped," said Perratt.
"She was a little bit green coming out of the stalls but she quickened up quite nicely and won nicely.
"She has a fantastic pedigree so we'll get her back home, see how she is and plot where we're going to go next."
Royal Blade (9-2) secured his second victory at the track in just over a week in the sporteventayrshire.com Handicap.
The four-year-old clearly thrives on his racing as this was his fifth start in July and he travelled well throughout under Julie Burke, picking up well in the final furlong to score by a length and a half from Beckermet.
Winning trainer Alan Berry said: "He loves it here and Julie gets on well with him. He stuck his neck out and he's done it well.
"I guess the most important thing is that he tries. Hopefully he might win another little race somewhere."
Dhhamaan dictated affairs from start to finish in the Weddings At Western House Hotel Handicap.
The 7-2 joint-favourite was soon setting the pace in the hands of PJ McDonald and he gradually quickened the pace.
Just when it looked as though Dhhamaan would run away with the prize, Burnwynd Boy finished with a rare rattle to make it interesting, but Ruth Carr's charge held on by a neck.
"He didn't have a good draw for a front-runner but that is how he has to be ridden," said Carr.
"It was a perfect ride from PJ and I was just praying for the line to come in time.
"The horse is very consistent at his level and he's entered again at Musselburgh and Thirsk on Friday. We'll make some decisions on Tuesday or Wednesday."
Ed McMahon's Cuckney Bear justified some strong market support in the Glasgow Prestwick Airport Handicap.
The 6-4 favourite had no trouble carrying top-weight to a two-and-three-quarter length victory over Purkab.
John Fretwell, representing owners Premspace Ltd, said: "He is what he is but we thought he'd improve a bit by going up a couple of furlongs.
"He's hated the ground but he's done it well, so fair play to him.
"He might be getting to the end of his tether now in the handicap, but we'll see."
The Keith Dalgleish-trained Jewelled Dagger (15-2) just managed to hold on and win the Jockey Club Restaurant Handicap, while the closing Scottish Racing Apprentice Handicap was won by 5-1 shot Military Call.
