Cool Spirit gets David Griffiths off the cold list with a stylish win

David Griffiths sent out his first winner since May when Cool Spirit justified favouritism in the 6f classified stakes at the Surrey track.

The South Yorkshire-based handler, who also led up his horse, breathed a sigh of relief after Marco Ghiani fired home the 9-4 chance from the front.

The return leg of the near-400-mile round trip from his base in Bawtry will have flown by for the 48-year-old, who was enjoying success for the first time since Teruntum Star scored at Beverley.

He said: "That's our first winner for a while and it's good to get off the mark for 2022 with a nice performance.

"Cool Spirit deserved to get his head back in front. He did that nicely despite coming stands' side and hopefully he can win again."

Allan in the right place

Jockeys' agent Neil Allan made a rare visit to the races worthwhile when two of his riders hit the board, most notably David Probert, who extended his lead in the all-weather jockeys' title to 16 with a double.

Probert wasted little time in following up his treble at Chelmsford on Thursday evening, landing the opening mile handicap on the Tony Carroll-trained Latent Heat.

His mount landed a bit of a touch into 4-1 from 8s in the morning when coming late to cut down recent course-and-distance winner Always Fearless.

Probert said: "Fair play to Tony – he was very keen on the chances of Latent Heat after his second here last time. There were a few keen-going sorts in the race, which allowed me to drop in."

As for his title charge, he said: "Chelmsford was nice as I picked up winners for yards – Ismail Mohammed, Phil McEntee and Kevin Ryan – I don't usually ride for. Neil is working hard and hopefully there is more of the same to come."

Colours quandary

Poetic Force, David Probert and members of the International Racing Club

Owners the International Racing Club were in a quandary before the 7f claimer as they two runners but only one set of colours.

Thankfully, Poetic Force was carrying the first silks as he swept to victory to complete doubles for Probert and Carroll.

Former At The Races South African expert Joao De Mata was on hand to welcome his winner as he is head of the syndicate.

"We've never had two runners in a race before so Doc Sportello, our other runner, had to carry the trainer's colours," he said. "We have about 80 paying members in our syndicate but could do with a few more. We didn't back Poetic Force today as we thought he would come on for the run."

Surrey first in Surrey

Surrey Mist after his triumph

Local owners Surrey Racing finally broke their duck at the track when their strapping grey Surrey Mist landed the 1m2f auction maiden for trainer George Baker and jockey Trevor Whelan.

The 15-8 chance was giving Whelan a welcome first win of the year and Baker said: "The owners have had plenty of near-misses here but never a winner, so we were happy to oblige."

Results, replays and analysis

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