'If we want a runner we have one now' - Dascombe weighing up Chester Cup raid

Rajinsky earned a probable place in the Tote Chester Cup field with a win in the most significant trial – but may give the £101,000 race a miss.

He picked up a 3lb penalty for outpointing two Mark Johnston-trained runners in a race that Cup winners Trip To Paris and Making Miracles have landed on the way in recent years, and Paddy Power cut his odds in to 12-1 (from 16).

The May meeting means a huge amount to Cheshire-based Tom Dascombe, yet the trainer said: "I'd dearly love to have a runner in the Chester Cup with a chance but I think somewhere like York would suit him a lot better.

Tote Chester Cup card and betting

"I haven't spoken to the owner [Raj Matharu] but I'd be thinking of maybe another week's time. But we'll see and if we want to have a runner we've got one now."

Dascombe was sending out just his third winner of 2021 and said: "Our season has been a bit like that two-mile race, it's been slow! We've run half a dozen two-year-olds and they all look like they're going to win – I'm sure we'll get flying soon.

Rajinsky (right): part of a double on the day for jockey PJ McDonaldCredit: Edward Whitaker

"This horse ran some cracking races last year without winning and it was nice to get a one by his name. He was second three times last year and it's good to get a win, it gives everybody a bit of joy.

"We were taking a bit of a chance with him on the ground but he's come through it and I thought PJ gave him a masterful ride in a tactical race."

McDonald also took the mile handicap on Royal Hunt Cup possible Artistic Rifles.

Great start

Staxton has a repeat of his 2020 victory in the Great St Wilfrid Handicap here as his long-term aim after making a triumphant return in the 6f handicap.

"That was lovely," said trainer Tim Easterby. "We thought he'd run well because he loves it here. The Great St Wilfrid is the main target."

"He's a pleasure to have in the yard," added jockey Duran Fentiman. "He's really gutsy."

Just Champion

The Duke Of Edinburgh Stakes at Royal Ascot is the likely target for Zabeel Champion, who took the 1m4f handicap under Ben Curtis.

Trainer Mark Johnston's son and assistant Charlie Johnston said: "He's always been a horse we've thought a lot of. He's still quite lightly raced for a four-year-old of ours.

Zabeel Champion: recorded a fourth win from his last six starts at Ripon on SaturdayCredit: Pool

"He's had two good wins this year and hopefully it's on to bigger and better things. The Duke of Edinburgh is a race that springs to mind as a good early-summer target, though there might be a race in between now and then. He strikes me as having the right profile."

Going the right way

David Nolan began to make up for lost time with a double on the David O'Meara-trained pair Beauzon and Stay Smart that trebled his total of winners for the year.

The season has been slow to get going for the jockey, who said: "I was off with a concussion and like in any sport you have to work your way back. But it's going the right way."

Replays, results and analysis

Read more from Saturday's racing:

Potterman wins dramatic race in stewards' room with Enrilo demoted to third

Bryony Frost in paradise as Greaneteen lowers Altior's colours at Sandown

Bryony Frost and Frodon triumph again with gutsy Sandown success

Charlie Hills living American dream with Pogo as Hollie Doyle bags four-timer

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