'She's the most game horse' - Starlyte shows tremendous attitude to pounce late for in-form Lucinda Russell
Starlyte, who received a pre-race form boost courtesy of Double Powerful’s win at Cheltenham, continued her good run with victory in the 2m4½f mares’ handicap hurdle.
The Allan Grant-owned seven-year-old finished second to Double Powerful at Kelso last month and has now won both starts since. She pounced late under Derek Fox and Lucinda Russell said: “Starlyte needs a fast-run two and a half miles and she's the most game horse. It's her attitude that wins her races."
The Robert Gibbons-owned homebred Hunters Spring completed a double for Russell when justifying favouritism under Conner McCann in the 2m1f bumper.
"Conner is fantastic on the bumper horses and we use him a lot on them claiming 7lb,” said Russell, whose last three runners have all won.
The trainer added: “Hunters Spring was in training as a two-year-old for the Flat but she was too backward and not ready for it. The owners understood she would have a better chance being given a bit of time and it's really paid off. She looked very professional, quickened nicely and was given a very well-judged ride."
Autumn reigns
Autumn Return took her rules record to 7-16 when landing the feature 2m4f novice handicap chase.
The Ruth Jefferson-trained mare made all to beat Imperial Merlin, her only opponent, by a length and three-quarters.
Double up
Rebecca Menzies celebrated a double courtesy of 2m4½f maiden hurdle winner Lathan and You Some Girl in the 2m7½f handicap hurdle.
The Nathan Moscrop-ridden Lathan beat his sole rival by three and a quarter lengths, while You Some Girl’s consistency was rewarded with a four-and-a-half-length success under conditional Charlie Maggs.
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