'They seem to have come back good' - patient approach pays off for Conrad Allen after Ejuna scores under Connor Planas

Following up your best season since 1990 was always going to be a tough ask, but the improved recent form of Conrad Allen’s string was evidenced by Ejuna’s success in the 6f classified race.

Allen’s last runner before Ejuna was a winner, courtesy of the Connor Planas-ridden Edergole's Gift at Lingfield last Saturday, and the same jockey helped secure back-to-back wins for the trainer.

A 15-2 shot, Ejuna was getting off the mark at the sixth attempt, having been bought for 20,000gns by Allen last May, during a campaign in which he enjoyed 18 winners — his highest tally of winners for 34 years.

Ejuna was a fourth winner of the season for Allen, who went four months without success during February to May. “I couldn’t put my finger on it,” Allen told Sky Sports Racing. 

“The horses weren’t firing early. I didn’t shut down but I didn’t run many for at least six weeks and they seem to have come back good.” 

Jakes joy 

Michael Attwater and Tommie Jakes look a combination to take increasing note of after H Key Lails backed up last month’s Chelmsford win in the mile handicap.

Jakes’s first ride for Attwater had been that Chelmsford victory and his mount defied a 3lb rise to beat 15-8 favourite Buy The Dip by half a length.

The George Boughey-based Jakes had earlier been denied on only his third ride for Attwater when Bear To Dream chased home Toussarok in the opening 7f handicap. 

Osborne on target

The first-time booking of Saffie Osborne on both Lunanova and Palazzo Persico paid off as she won the mile handicap and 1m2f handicap respectively for trainers Amanda Perrett and Ed Dunlop.

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