'The master has done it again' - Mick Appleby hailed as late gamble lands

Monday: Kempton

Steve Chessum and Craig Norman's patience was rewarded after nine-race maiden Sir Gregory got off the mark in the 6f handicap to land a significant gamble on just his second start for Mick Appleby.

The four-year-old was available at 6-1 on Monday morning but received a flurry of support which proved astute after the eventual 2-1 favourite comfortably scored under Theodore Ladd.

Although Appleby, who was en route to Dubai to join King Of Stars in Meydan, was unable to enjoy the jubilant post-race scenes, the winning connections were full of praise for the champion all-weather trainer when speaking to Racing TV.

Chessum said: "When we first got him, there were loads of times we felt we'd got him right and for whatever reason he would deteriorate. We just felt a change of scenery had to happen. I spoke to a friend, went and met Mick and we sent him there. The master has done it again, hasn't he. He's so good at it."

Of the winning gamble, Norman added: "He certainly got a bit of our money back! We love horseracing, love a punt and all our pals do as well, although only the right ones got to hear about that."

Kaboo keeps impressing

Appleby and Ladd were denied a double after Annaf chased home impressive odds-on favourite Kaboo in the feature conditions stakes.

The Karl Burke-trained three-year-old has now won his last three starts and is unbeaten on the all-weather.

Kaboo: unbeaten on the all-weather for Karl Burke and Clifford LeeCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

Celebrations all round

Stuart Williams and Bill Enticknap provided Marco Ghiani with his first British winner in 2019 and the trio combined again to take the 7f handicap with Got No Dollars.

Williams and Ghiani had more cause for celebration in the following contest after they completed a double with Papa Stour.

Results, replays and analysis

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