Surprise double extends Mick Appleby's lead to three in all-weather title race

Mick Appleby struck a crucial blow in the battle for the all-weather leading trainer title when increasing his lead to three with a big-priced double at the meeting.

Appleby now leads Archie Watson 38-35 with two days of the season to go as he attempts to wrest back the crown he lost to Mark Johnston last term.

Neither of Appleby's two runners on the card were particularly fancied as It Must Be Faith took the 6f handicap at 9-1 before 16-1 shot Oyster Card claimed the 1m4f handicap. The double paid 169-1.