'He's a class horse in this grade' - De Barley Basket bounces back for Pauling

Wednesday: Uttoxeter

Trainer Ben Pauling has enjoyed a great summer and it was made even better when De Barley Basket bounced back to winning ways in the 2m4f handicap chase.

The 3-1 shot had finished a well-held third in better company on his last start but showed his class at this level, leading from start to finish under Kielan Woods, who eased down for a seven-length victory.

"He was given a good ride by Kielan. He likes it out the front and he saved plenty for three-out. He's done it nicely. That's his sort of grade and he's a class horse in this grade," Pauling said.

"We chucked him in at the deep end last time out and he slightly got found out two from home, but it's good to see him get his head back in front today."

On whether the wind surgery De Barley Basket had in July had made the difference, Pauling said: "Very much so. He's a horse that has to have better ground because of his wind, but if he gets his ground he's very effective."

Finalshot flies

Pauling was denied a double when his other runner on the card, Encashment, was headed on the run-in by the Mel Rowley-trained Finalshot, who flew home under Alex Edwards to land his first win in more than three years in the 2m conditional jockeys' handicap hurdle.

Terrific Tom

Jockey Tom Scudamore is in flying form and has now ridden five winners from his seven rides in September thanks to a 44-1 double on the day for trainer David Pipe.

Scudamore steered El Paso Wood to a four-length victory in the 3m2f handicap chase before guiding Ladykiller to a first victory over hurdles in the 2m7½f novice handicap.

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