Saunter adds to Williams' cracking day with big Doncaster success

Saunter improved what was already a red-letter day for trainer Ian Williams when landing the November Handicap at Doncaster under Jim Crowley, only 20 minutes after the Worcestershire trainer landed the Grade 2 Elite Hurdle at Wincanton with London Prize.

The Michael Watt and Billy Slater-owned Saunter was the subject of a big market move before the off (6-1 from 9-1) and justified the punters' confidence by coming with a late run down the centre of the track to deny 20-1 shot Chelsea Lad by a length.

Williams, who has recorded his second-highest total of winners on the Flat this season with 48, chose to make the trip to Doncaster to watch Saunter instead of the equally long journey to Somerset.

He said: "I thought Jim gave Saunter a great ride. He looked like he was going to struggle with two to go but he picked up and galloped all the way to the line.

"There are great options open with him now. We can go jumping or go to Dubai, the world is his oyster at the moment.

"That was not a bad 20 minutes to have in any career."

Rank outsiders Eddystone Rock (33-1) and Storm King (66-1) filled out the frame, while the well-punted Royal Line, who was making only his fourth career start, faded out of contention to finish sixth under William Buick.