Tom George hails 'lovely chaser in the making' Come On Gruff

Friday: Uttoxeter

Come On Gruff scored for the first time over hurdles when justifying favouritism in the 2m4f maiden hurdle for trainer Tom George.

The five-year-old won on his debut on the all-weather in February before finishing fourth behind Kennel Gate winner and Supreme Novices' Hurdle favourite Jonbon in a Newbury bumper in March.

He was second on his hurdles debut at Chepstow last time but went one better after taking the lead approaching the final flight before stretching two and a quarter lengths clear under Johnny Burke.

"He's an improving horse," said George. "He's come on for his first run of the season at Chepstow and seems to be heading in the right direction. He's a lovely chaser in the making. We've got no big plans for him at the moment, so we'll just try to bring him along slowly."

Bouncing back

Frenchy Du Large returned to winning ways when landing the 2m4f handicap chase by five lengths under in-form rider Charlie Deutsch.

He won at Ludlow in February but unseated Robbie Dunne at the second flight when attempting to follow up at Carlisle in November.

There was no such drama this time as he took control of the race after the fourth-last and won comfortably from Keep Rolling under Deutsch, who landed a Grade 3 handicap at Cheltenham last week.

Williams recorded an across-the-card double when Brave Seasca won the 2m1f handicap chase at Ascot under Gavin Sheehan.

Results, replays and analysis

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