Malune delivers early Christmas present on talented Captain Lars

Owner Chris Hamilton and winning trainer Derek Shaw were in agreement that the handicapper had the measure of Captain Lars so plumped for Gabriele Malune to give him a fighting chance, and Marco Botti’s apprentice did the rest.

“On his day he’s a talented horse but I truly believe Gabriele has won the race for us,” said a delighted Hamilton. “He’s been so cool and done everything me and Derek have asked.”

It was the first time Malune had teamed up with either trainer or owner, and Hamilton explained: “I don’t mind giving claimers an opportunity and we are always talking about how we need a good 7lb claimer in the locker. Hopefully this is going to be the one.”