Southfield Stone upsets odds-on Angels Breath to land Dovecote

Southfield Stone was a surprise winner of the Dovecote after outpointing the 8-11 favourite Angels Breath, who rallied but could not head the Paul Nicholls-trained runner at the line.

The six-year-old, who was third in the Tolworth Hurdle behind Elixir De Nutz at Sandown last month, was bouncing back after an odds-on defeat at Taunton last time out.

Trainer Paul Nicholls said afterwards: "It'll be interesting because I know where Southfield Stone is and I know where Grand Sancy is after last week.

"Southfield Stone was fit and well. He's all right, but Angels Breath has had only one run and a point-to-point before them and sometimes those horses get overhyped.

"I probably wouldn't entertain Southfield Stone in the Supreme, but he could be one for a handicap. He's in the Imperial Cup and might be one to leave for Cheltenham and go for a race at Aintree. I knew he'd like the ground and 2m3f was just a bit far for him last time. He's a big improving horse who will be a cracking chaser next season."

Angels Breath, who jumped fluently, closed at the line and the pair came 18 lengths clear of the third-placed Normal Norman.

Nicky Henderson said: "Angels Breath needed the run and Nico said he just took a blow at the wrong moment. It's sharp enough around here, but nobody is despondent and I still think two miles is the right trip on a stiffer track. He's given them all 5lb and the front two have pulled clear, while he did run on.

"I'm not making excuses, but I do think there's plenty of improvement to come and he's had a proper race," he added. "I'm pleased with that and the ground was probably quick enough. There are a lot of positives, even though he got beat as he'd have learned tons today. I'd have thought we're still leaning towards the Supreme."

The winner was cut to 8-1 from 14-1 for the Imperial Cup, while Angels Breath was eased to 16-1 for the Supreme Novices' Hurdle.

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