'He saved the day' - Michael Blake praises Harry Reed after victory

Wednesday: Newton Abbot

Trainer Michael Blake was certain that jockey Harry Reed "saved the day" after he recovered from a mistake on Clearance to land the 2m1f handicap hurdle.

The eight-year-old made a costly error at the second last, nearly unseating the rider, but regained his momentum to win by two lengths.

"It was a good sit from Harry at the second last and he saved the day," said Blake.

"I only have one jumper, and I have nine horses in total, so it was a great relief and we have been dying to get a win on the board.

"Credit to the horse for coming back from that because in most cases it would have stopped his momentum, but he did it well."

Blake explained how a different approach to the race played a huge part in the result.

"I think the different tactics of really holding him up and switching him off made the difference," he added.

"I told Harry to drop him right down and ride him ice cold before waiting until the home turn before making his move and that's what he did.

"It was always the plan to sit him back and keep him fresh because recently he has been travelling well in races and then not doing much closer to home."

Quids in

The Dan Skelton-trained Quid Pro Quo extended his unbeaten run to two with a convincing win in the 2m5½f novice hurdle.

The six-year-old runs in the famous colours of JP McManus and finished seven lengths clear of Vis A Vis under Harry Skelton.

Results, replays and analysis

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