'The best ammunition I've had' - Mike Smith bullish as core jumps season looms

Monday: Perth

Mike Smith has every reason to believe he is set for his best ever jumps campaign and Go Bob Go gave him further cause for celebration in the 2m4f handicap hurdle.

The five-year-old had been a long-standing 23-race maiden, but was given a determined ride by Ryan Mania to win by half a length.

"He's not had much luck," said Smith. "The recent spin he had on the Flat has made all the difference.

"Ryan gave him such a class ride, he comes to the yard once a fortnight or once a week if he can, which is great. He knows the horse well and rode him as such."

Smith has already equalled his winners total from the last two seasons and is targeting a fruitful campaign.

"We've got nine four-year-olds to run, they all came from the man [Kenneth Parkhill] who bred Bob Olinger and Ferny Hollow," he added.

"I bought six of them as three-year-olds and they've all done a bit of schooling at Musselburgh. We took ten and schooled them over hurdles and they'll hopefully be ready to run at Ayr's first meeting.

"We've got so many nice horses coming forward – it definitely should be our best season as it's the best ammunition I've ever had."

Birthday winner

Sean Bowen celebrated his 25th birthday with a dominant 14-length victory aboard the Gordon Elliott-trained The Friday Man in the 2m novice hurdle.

The win continued the great partnership between the two and was a 20th winner from 47 runners for them this term.

Results, replays and analysis

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