'He's truly astonishing' - Tis Marvellous strikes again in the Beverley Bullet

Saturday: Beverley

Tis Marvellous was hailed "astonishing" by his overjoyed owners after their star gloriously fulfilled his main target for the year when winning back-to-back runnings of the Beverley Bullet Sprint.

The eight-year-old was an impressive winner of the Yorkshire track's feature race a year ago, but had to dig deep to repel the challenge of Aricebo by one-and-a-quarter lengths under Paul Hanagan to repeat their heroics.

Owned by Julie Deadman and Stephen Barrow, Tis Marvellous became the third horse to win successive Beverley Bullets and they are already eyeing up a tilt at history on the Westwood in 2023.

"Clive [Cox, trainer] has done a great job because we really wanted to win this race again," Barrow said. "It was his target from the beginning of the season and we love races like this, so to be able to win it twice in a row with a horse we've had since he was a yearling is what the sport is all about.

All smiles: owners Stephen Barrow (left) and Julie Deadman (right) pose for photos with their starCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"He could easily do it again next year. He's in the Prix de l'Abbaye but if wins that, he can't run in the Bullet. We'll have to make sure we plan his career carefully! To have one last as long and be such a favourite of everyone is amazing."

Deadman added: "He's truly astonishing. I was making quite a lot of noise watching it! But that's what it's all about. It's huge and doesn't come any better than this."

Hanagan maintained his perfect record on the son of Harbour Watch and was overjoyed to play his part once more.

"He's such a wonderful horse. They don't come along too often and when you ask him to do something, he wants to do more," he said. "I think they might have to start naming the race after him soon!"

Kitsune powers to success

Kitsune Power was cut to 16-1 (from 25) by Paddy Power and Betfair for the Cambridgeshire after his success in the 1m2f Silver Cup, but winning jockey Kevin Stott was convinced he would thrive over further.

The Roger Varian-trained three-year-old came from last to first to win by two lengths and although a tilt at the heritage handicap at Newmarket could be on the cards, Stott believes a mile and a half could be his perfect distance.

Kitsune Power impressively wins the Silver Cup at BeverleyCredit: John Grossick (racingpost.com/photos)

"That was impressive. We travelled really well but it turned into a bit of a sprint, which we didn't really want," he said.

"I don't think he's stopping and when he goes up in trip he'll be even better. He gave me the impression the further he went the better he was."

It was the first leg of a double for Stott, who won the 7½f maiden on Silent Monarch for George Boughey.

Poignant win

Ben Curtis had David O'Meara's horsebox driver Diane Jackson in his thoughts after guiding May Blossom to victory in division two of the 5f handicap.

Jackson suffered life-threatening injuries in a head-on road collision which killed the O'Meara-trained Lincoln Pride after his win at Yarmouth last Sunday.

"It's great to get a winner for the yard and hopefully that can be a pick-me-up for everyone, as Diane is a good friend of mine," Curtis said.

Curtis doubled up when Cell Sa Beela narrowly won the 7f fillies' novice.

Quick time

It Just Takes Time resumed his rapid progression and picked up a third win from his last four starts after his game success in the opening 7½f handicap.

Winning jockey Jack Garritty said: "He's still progressing now we have found out how we can keep him settled down. That was the perfect distance and a sharp 7f suits him well."

Results, replays and analysis

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