Longsdon eyes return for trials weekend with classy Flat recruit Moon King

Charlie Longsdon is in no hurry to aim big with former useful Flat stayer Moon King after the four-year-old got off the mark with an easy win in the maiden hurdle, but he has one eye on a possible return to Musselburgh in February.

After Brian Hughes had steered Moon King home 21 lengths clear to initiate a near 57-1 treble for the champion jockey, which was completed by Eagle Ridge and Sauce Of Life, Longsdon said: "He's never been a smooth traveller but his class came through turning in. I think the cheekpieces and tongue strap probably helped.

"He's typical of Flat horses in that now that he's jumping he doesn't want it too soft, even though he did when he was handicapping. Despite his lofty Flat rating I'm not going to do anything flash with him, but one race that might be a target for him could be the three-mile novice hurdle on Musselburgh's trials weekend."

Worth the effort

A long train journey north and an overnight stay paid off for Liam Harrison, who had plenty of time to walk the course on his first visit, before taking the hands and heels handicap hurdle on Whoa Black Betty.

Harrison is enjoying a good season as Fergal O'Brien's conditional, but Whoa Black Betty was an outside ride for Britain's northernmost trainer Jackie Stephen, secured for him by hard-working agent Dave Roberts. He will be closer to home at Huntingdon for his boss on Tuesday.

Results, replays and analysis

Did you know you can bet with youronline bookmaker without leaving the Racing Post app? Simply sign in to your existing bookmaker account via the accounts button and tap the odds buttons on aracecard to place bets