Plum Pudding defies weight in Bunbury Cup

Report: Newmarket, Friday

Ladbrokes Bunbury Cup (Heritage Handicap) 7f, 3yo+

A BRILLIANT front-running ride from Ryan Moore saw the Richard Hannon-trained Plum Pudding defy joint-top weight in the Ladbrokes Bunbury Cup at Newmarket on Friday.

The consistent six-year-old, who returned at 12-1, had six wins to his name over Newmarket's Rowley Mile, but had yet to win on the July course, finishing second on his only start.

Moore bounced him out in alert fashion with 3-1 favourite Captain Brilliance tucked in behind on the rail under Johnny Murtagh.

The Frankie Dettori-ridden Mutheeb, a 7-1 chance, was also handy, but in the end Moore's brilliance proved decisive with Plum Pudding justholding off Captain Brilliance.

 

There was also a tight finish for third with Mutheeb edging out 33-1 outsider Joseph Henry, who produced a fantastic effort for trainer David Nicholls and jockey Richard Hills.

Moore, who rode Doctor Fremantle to victory in the Princess of Wales's Blue Square Stakes on Thursday, said: "I just had to ask him a question early and he's got a bit tired in the last 50 yards, but he really tries and it takes a good horse to carry this sort of weight in this kind of handicap.

"I don't know what it is but he likes Newmarket. It's the first time he's won on this course but he loves the Rowley Mile. He's a pleasure to ride."