Ben Pauling continues rapid climb back from the doldrums with double strike

Thursday: Ffos Las

Ben Pauling is reaping the benefits of rebuilding his string and enjoyed further success with a double from novice hurdlers Fine Casting and Bowtogreatness.

The Cotswolds trainer has endured a tough couple of seasons but has bounced back to blistering form with 29 winners already and his personal-best tally of 44 firmly in sight.

“Two years ago we had a virus and last year we lost our flagbearers and were rebuilding with some nice youngsters. We're now formulating a team that will go from strength to strength and I firmly believe we can get back among the big winners at the festivals,” said Pauling.

Bowtogreatness took the 2m4f novice hurdle, making amends for a fall at the same venue last time when looking like the winner, and Pauling said: “He was highly thought of, but he didn't show up last season. He was unlucky to fall last time and when they've had a tumble it's nice to see them get up and go and win the next race.”

After Fine Casting landed the 2m maiden hurdle, the trainer said: “It's taken a little while for the penny to drop with his jumping and this was a step in the right direction. He jumped well and hopefully it's a springboard to chasing next season.”

Jockey Kielan Woods was aboard both winners, and there was a sense that Bowtogreatness owed him one.

“Poor Kielan had just returned from injury and on that tumble from Bowtogreatness he got injured again, so he had another month on the sidelines. It was nice for the pair to get their heads in front together and right the wrong,” said Pauling.

Results, replays and analysis

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