DragonBet Towton Novices’ Chase
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Grade 2 Handicap, (Wetherby) Ffos Las 13:15
£40,000 guaranteed,
5yo plus,
3m 45y, Class 1   
Saturday 11th January 2025 - Resheduled

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1 Handstands Evs
2 Lord Of Thunder 16/1
6 ran NR: Karuma Grey Distances: 9l
Time: 5m 18.00s (slow by 41.00s)

Originally scheduled at Wetherby, the race was relocated to Ffos Las due to adverse weather conditions. Trained by Ben Pauling and ridden by jockey Ben Jones, Handstands carried a 5lb penalty from a previous Grade 2 win at Sandown in December.

He led the field alongside Cherie d'Am from the start. After Cherie d'Am faded approaching the fourth-last fence, Handstands took control despite a slight mistake at that obstacle.

Lord Of Thunder, having recovered from an earlier setback caused by a fall from another competitor, attempted to challenge but couldn't match Handstands' pace.

Handstands extended his lead after the final fence, finishing as the clear winner. The challenging conditions resulted in only two finishers from the initial six runners.

Trainer Ben Pauling expressed satisfaction with Handstands' performance, noting the horse's adaptability to the tacky, holding ground.

He acknowledged that while Handstands appeared cautious over some jumps, this was likely due to the unfamiliar ground conditions.

Pauling indicated that Handstands is now being aimed at the Grade 1 Scilly Isles Novices' Chase at Sandown on February 1.

BetGoodwin

Dragonbet Towton Novices' Chase (Grade 2)
£40,000 guaranteed, 5yo plus, 3m 45y, Class 1
6 ran
Going: Soft, Heavy in places

POS. DIST HORSE AGE WGT TRAINER JOCKEY SP
1    Handstands 6 11-9 Ben Pauling Ben Jones Evs
2 9 Lord Of Thunder 7 11-4 Joe Tizzard Brendan Powell 16/1
FELL Cherie d'Am 7 11-2 Dan Skelton Harry Skelton 4/1
FELL Saint Davy 8 11-4 Jonjo & A J O'Neill Jonjo O'Neill Jr 3/1
FELL Range 8 11-4 Sam Thomas Dylan Johnston 16/1
UR Hillcrest 10 11-4 Henry Daly Sam Twiston-Davies 16/1
NR 3 Karuma Grey 7 11-4 Alison Thorpe Shane Fenelon

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