10-11 winner but not the favourite? Red Oak strikes on a rare day at Musselburgh

Red Oak and Jonathan Burke (right) beat TimefortomCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

There was a rare result in the opening 2m4f maiden hurdle as Red Oak landed the spoils at 10-11 despite not being sent off favourite.

Timefortom went off the 5-6 favourite in the four-runner race but finished three lengths behind the winner after losing the lead approaching the final hurdle and then having no response to the James Owen-trained Red Oak. The other two runners were both 80-1 chances.

The five-year-old winner had finished second in better company at Ascot last time out on his rules debut and was dropping in class and stepping up in trip here. He was partnered by Jonathan Burke, who was making it two wins from five rides for the Newmarket trainer.

“I suppose it was a match race on paper and I was happy to follow Derek [Fox, on Timefortom],” the jockey told Racing TV. “I wanted to wait a bit longer to challenge him but we steadied up turning in and I’m surprised how well he quickened.

“Ascot was a decent race but, like every horse, they have to win and get confidence. It’s a step back for a step forward. He did it really nicely and with his speed I wouldn’t be against going back to two miles at some stage too.”

Ross on top

Donald McCain recorded his 99th winner at the East Lothian venue when Rossbridge took the 2m4½f novice handicap chase with a surging finish on his fencing debut.

Rossbridge was trailing Disguisedlimit by five lengths approaching the last but jumped it far better and swept past his rival to win by a length and a quarter under Theo Gillard.

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