Sean Bowen reduces the deficit on Harry Cobden as part of Olly Murphy treble

Olly Murphy went one better than Wednesday’s double at Perth with a treble at the Scottish track helping the trainer towards a century of winners in Britain for the season on Thursday.

The Sean Bowen-ridden What A Johnny justified 9-4 favouritism in the 2m4f handicap hurdle before Rambo T, last seen finishing eighth in the Coral Cup, defied top weight under Gavin Sheehan.

The title-chasing Bowen rode Rambo T's stablemate Champagnesuperover to finish fourth in that race but swiftly made amends when helping Sure Touch follow up victories at Uttoxeter and Taunton to complete a hat-trick in the feature 2m4f handicap chase.

“I hope Sean doesn’t miss out by one because I actually told him to ride the other lad!” Murphy told Racing TV.

Bowen cut into Harry Cobden’s lead but that still stands at six after the title leader rode his first winner for Warren Greatrex since 2016 on Village Master at Warwick. Bowen has nine rides left to Cobden’s 12 before Sandown’s season finale on Saturday.

Murphy, who later brought his ton up for the campaign with Pickanumber's win at Huntingdon, said of Bowen's challenge: “I know we’re probably chasing in vain a little bit with how well Harry’s riding down the country but we’ll keep going with plenty of chances and it’s not over until the fat lady sings.”

Worthwhile trip

Dorset trainer Anthony Honeyball enjoyed a winner from his first runner at the track when Fortuna Ligna struck in the 3m2½f handicap hurdle under Ben Godfrey, the jockey's first winner since riding out his claim.

Midgley magic

Tom Midgley surpassed last season’s total of 13 winners with victory on the Mark Walford-trained Event Of Sivola in the 3m veterans’ chase for conditional riders.

Read these next:

'She didn’t have a sweat mark on her' - Jayvee storms to 16-1 debut success for Brian Ellison 

Racing Post Members' Club: 50% off your first three months 

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.