Glory for Invictus in Reynoldstown Chase

Report: Ascot, Saturday

Sodexo Prestige Reynoldstown Novices' Chase (Grade 2) 3m, 5yo+

INVICTUS caused something of a shock in the Reynoldstown, winning comfortably from RSA Chase second-favourite Bobs Worth and  Silviniaco Conti, who was sent off the 11-10 favourite but could finish no better than a tame fourth.

Paddy Power reacted by cutting the six-year-old to 8-1 (from 33), while Ladbrokes and BetVictor went 12-1. Bobs Worth held onto his position as second-favourite but was eased significantly, with Betfred and Coral a best-priced 7-1.

Settled in mid-division, Robert Thornton stalked the early pace set by Alfie Spinner. As the runners rounded Swinley Bottom and began the climb home, Thornton took closer order. With five in the air at the same time over the next few fences, it looked a wide-open race.

Baile Anrai fell and Bobs Worth began to come under pressure, jumping to his left and constantly losing ground in the air. As the runners turned for home Bobs Worth looked beaten in fourth, while Invictus was travelling noticeably well.

Silviniaco Conti, who led off the home bend, faded badly as the four entered the straight and Invictus moved to the front, with Bobs Worth tracking him through under Barry Geraghty.

Geraghty looked as though he was going to deliver a real challenge approching two out but a bad mistake cost him any chance as Invictus, who jumped far better, pulled clear.

Alfie Spinner battled gamely and held on for third after Bobs Worth passed him on the run-in, three lengths adrift of the 6-1 winner.

Trainer Alan King said: "That was much better. He looked a real prospect at Plumpton but disappointed us at Cheltenham. He had excusesthat day, he lost a shoe quite early and was sore in his foot after. For a big horse he'll appreciate better ground and he did it comfortably today."

Thornton, who was riding his first Graded winner since returning from injury, added: "It's great. I fancied him and made no secret of that. For a three-miler he's got a little gear and is not slow. He probably can't beat Grands Crus but he's every right to go there."

Bobs Worth had had a breathing operation since his last run and trainer Nicky Henderson said: "He's run a fantastic race. If you'd have seen him three weeks ago you'd have thought he'd be finished for the season."