'It's exciting' - Curtis strikes again and relishes link with Mark Johnston

Ben Curtis maintained his excellent start to the year with a well-timed ride aboard 13-8 favourite Ravenscar in the 2m½f handicap.

The Phil Kirby-trained five-year-old tracked the leaders and stayed on powerfully to take the lead in the final furlong and win by a neck from Beach Break, handing her jockey his sixth victory this month.

"She had a big weight on her back and had to put her head down," Curtis told Sky Sports Racing. "She won her last start here. She felt like she had more to give and Phil's horses are in brilliant form."

Curtis confirmed he will have more rides for leading trainer Mark Johnston in 2021, while maintaining his regular link with Karl Burke.

"It's exciting and hopefully I can get plenty of winners for the team." he added.

"I had a conversation with Mark and we'll see how we get on. It's a massive operation and they're turning out winners on a daily basis."

Back on track

Al Suil Eile was denied a run when fifth at the track last time but made no mistake with a fine performance in the 7f handicap for older horses.

The five-year-old produced a strong challenge inside the final furlong to beat 14-1 shot Bond Angel under Jason Hart, who made it a double for the weekend having also scored at Chelmsford on Saturday.

John Quinn: trainer was on the markCredit: Pool

"We were pleased with how he ran last time, but it got a bit tight and he ran out of room," said trainer John Quinn.

"The extra furlong helped him. It's his second win on the Fibresand at Southwell.

"We'll probably bring him back here over seven furlongs. He was given a lovely, simple ride and hopefully he can win again for us."

More Ghiani glory

In-form jockey Marco Ghiani's golden run continued with victory aboard Maykir in the mile handicap.

The young rider, who was handed a 20-day ban this month after a ride at Wolverhampton in December, was riding out his 5lb claim and recording his eighth winner of January.

Great start

Woke Media was bred to run well on dirt and showed plenty of class on her Fibresand debut when landing the three-year-old 7f handicap.

It was a first success for Woke Media, who is by Kentucky Derby winner Orb, and a first win of the year for trainer David Simcock.

Results, replays and analysis

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