'Could win a nice prize' - big targets await Back On The Lash after Ludlow win

Martin Keighley is confident he can land a big prize with Back On The Lash this summer after the seven-year-old got off the mark over fences in the 3m novice handicap chase.

Taking on just three rivals, Back On The Lash had to make the pace in a slowly-run affair but he showed a good attitude under Sean Bowen to hold off outsider Landsman in a tight finish.

That was his first start over three miles and the performance left his trainer excited for a summer campaign. Back On The Lash won a handicap over hurdles on trials day at Cheltenham in January 2020, but Keighley is expecting him to prove even better over fences.

"I'm really pleased with him," said Keighley. "He's not the biggest but he's got loads of scope and I was delighted with his jumping.

Martin Keighley: trainer of Back On The LashCredit: Edward Whitaker

"He had a long winter break so we'll probably keep him going – he could have a nice prize in him in the summer sometime. We'll go back and have a look but there's races at Market Rasen and Newton Abbot we might think about.

"I think he'll improve over fences, he seems to have really taken to it. Now we know he stays three miles that gives us plenty more options."

On the up

The Sheila Lewis-trained Cotton End continued her fine rise up the ladder when denying Glory And Fortune in the 2m handicap hurdle. She broke her maiden off 93 in September but was recording a third win since off a rating of 117.

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