Wetherby: 'How could you fancy him today?' - No Risk Des Flos victory baffles trainer

Thursday: Wetherby

No Risk Des Flos bounced back from a disappointing run here over Christmas with a victory that left trainer Olly Murphy baffled.

The Diana Whateley-owned eight-year-old, who was well beaten in the Castleford Chase last time, extended his course record to four wins in five starts with a decisive success in the 2m3½f handicap chase. The 5-1 winner clearly possesses plenty of ability but he has proved tricky for even his trainer to predict.

Murphy said: "I love the horse but he frustrates me because I don't know how I've won so many races with him but not a really valuable pot. I really fancied him here last time but he throws in a stinker every year – how could you fancy him today after last time?"

He added: "When he's good, he's good and I think he'll win a good prize one day. He loves heavy ground and running round here and the ground might come up too quick at Aintree, so we'll take it one day at a time."

Victory on No Risk Des Flos meant Sean Bowen, who was given an 18-day totting-up ban at a disciplinary hearing before racing, equalled last season's career-best tally of 94 winners as he closes in on his maiden century.

Foster praises jockey

Jo Foster made it three winners from her last five runners when Ballynagran landed the conditional jockeys' handicap chase from 15lb out of the weights.

The trainer heaped praise on the equally in-form Emma Smith-Chaston after the jockey galvanised her mount, who was backed into 14-1 (from 33), to edge out Good Work by a short head.

"She probably stole it," said Foster. "She gave him a good ride and used her head, she's in form at the moment."

Birthday present

Jonjo O'Neill Jr celebrated his 25th birthday with a winner as Blue Shark secured a four-timer in the 2m3½f handicap hurdle.

The six-year-old, whose form has improved for going up in trip, defied a 6lb rise for his previous win at Fontwell to score by half a length.

"He got away with it last time at Fontwell and the galloping track here suited him," the jockey said. "He wasn't an easy horse to start with but he's settled and is getting the hang of it."

The Imposter also registered his fourth win of the season when taking the 3m novice handicap hurdle for trainer Nigel Hawke and jockey Tom Buckley.

Third time lucky

Etalon confirmed the promise of his pair of seconds over hurdles with his first victory in the 2m novice hurdle.

The Dan Skelton-trained 2-5 favourite drew seven lengths clear of his rivals after the last in the manner of a promising type.

"He's a lovely horse who's very much a work in progress," said jockey Harry Skelton. "He's a chasing type and one we like for the future. There are no big plans and there'll be some of those nice handicaps for him in the spring."

Results, replays and analysis

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