Many Clouds Chase could be next for 'finished article' Sounds Russian

Saturday: Kelso

Sounds Russian continued his love affair with Kelso and set himself some ambitious targets this winter with an authoritative success in the feature 3m2f handicap chase.

The Ruth Jefferson-trained seven-year-old had won his previous two starts at the track by a combined 38 lengths, but had to dig deep to deny Aye Right by four and a half lengths under Callum Bewley here.

"He's always been a chaser in the making and we didn't hang about with him," Jefferson told Racing TV. "He learnt a lot last year and getting beaten at Ayr probably taught him more than winning. He looks more like the finished article this year.

"If he's won at the track, we always try and bring them back as we know they handle the track. I can't really find many downsides to him."

A step up in class awaits Sounds Russian next, and while he was introduced at 16-1 for the Coral Gold Cup at Newbury by Paddy Power, a tilt at the Many Clouds Chase at Aintree in December is the likely target, according to the trainer.

Jefferson added: "We're creeping into the territory where we're going to have to start looking at a Graded race. I don't think he'll go right-handed, which doesn't leave you with a lot of options. The Many Clouds looks like the obvious option."

Striking debut

Snake Roll left a striking impression on his rules debut when an easy winner of the 2m novice hurdle for Derek Fox and Lucinda Russell.

The duo doubled up on the card when Corrigeen Rock scored in the 2m1f handicap chase.

Results, replays and analysis

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