Evan Williams saddles double with Annsam and Tour Ovalie ahead of Libberty Hunter's Tingle Creek bid

The Evan Williams stable is kicking into gear on the evidence of his double with Annsam and Tour Ovalie. 

The veteran Annsam led for most of the 3m1½f Commodore Cup under Jonjo O'Neill Jnr and, aided by a mistake from Tiny Tetley at the fourth-last, drew clear of his nearest rival Jeffery's Cross to win by nine and a half lengths. 

Victory in the following 2m mares' handicap hurdle came in opposing style. Last year's winner Tour Ovalie was held up by Williams' daughter Isabel before coming with a strong late run up the stands' rail to deny Walkadina by half a length.

The duo made it eight winners for Williams in the last ten days, and he said: "We like a trip to Ludlow. We were slow to get going, but it's nice that things are starting to look up a little bit. 

"I think we were a shade lucky with Annsam, but he's been with us a long time and we've had so many good days with him. He had an injury to his hock a few years ago and that stopped him going on properly, but it's always nice when those old boys get their heads in front.

"Tour Ovalie just wins races. It's always tactical with her, she has to be delivered late and it's difficult to go up in class, but horses like her are hard to find."

On Libberty Hunter, who will run in Saturday's Betfair Tingle Creek Chase, he added: "He's grand. If he could stand on his feet it would be nice! Everything has gone well with him. I think there is rain forecast, and even a drop of rain can make a hell of a difference at this time of year."

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.