Improving Tommy's Oscar set for Graded company following hat-trick success

Ann Hamilton enjoyed a landmark success with Nuts Well in the Old Roan Chase this season and she looks to have another useful sort in Tommy's Oscar following his success in the 1m7½f handicap hurdle.

The Northumberland trainer landed a first Graded victory with her stable star in the Aintree Grade 2 in October and the progressive Tommy's Oscar could step up to that level after benefiting from the final-flight fall of Goobinator to win by ten lengths and complete a hat-trick.

"He's a super horse, he's done nothing wrong in his career and there's more improvement to come from him," the winning owner and trainer's husband Ian said.

"We may come back here for Cheltenham trials weekend, but the Premier Hurdle at Kelso might be the main target. We'll give him plenty of time."

Walford lands Musselburgh first

Mark Walford ticked another course off his list when he registered his first winner at the track courtesy of Quest For Life's 40-1 shock success in the 2m4f handicap hurdle.

Quest For Life clears the final flight under Jamie Hamilton on his way to a notable victory for trainer Mark WalfordCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

The nine-year-old had been off the track for 555 days but showed fitness was no issue with an authoritative success to give the North Yorkshire trainer a maiden Musselburgh victory from the eighth attempt.

Walford told Racing TV: "He was well handicapped on his old form, but he just had a couple of niggles, it was nothing too serious. We don't come here often, but it's definitely been worthwhile."

McCain at the double

Donald McCain has made a blistering start to 2021 and his fine form shows no signs of stopping after he landed a quickfire double to end the card courtesy of Shallow Run in the 2m4½f handicap chase and Fruit N Nut in the concluding bumper.

Results, replays and analysis

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