We enjoyed our second treble of the month on Friday with GUSTAVIAN and MIDNIGHT CALLISTO successful in the first two races at Exeter before the ever consistent CREDO completed the hat trick with a fluent victory at Warwick.
They were our only three runners on a day which yet again advertised the current well being of the yard.
Gustavian set the ball rolling with an impressive triumph from the front in the three mile Virgin Bet Novices’ Limited Handicap Chase with a decent first prize of £10,562 for his owners Decimus I.
He was fresh and well after a little break and benefitted from a positive ride from Sean Bowen, jumped soundly and kept on strongly for a pleasing first triumph on the quickest ground he has ever faced.
As the handicapper is bound to take note I might look next for a novice Chase for Gustavian under a penalty.
Half an hour later Midnight Callisto came out best in the three runner Virgin Bet Best Odds Daily Mares’ Handicap Hurdle, ridden by the 7lbs claimer Sean O’Briain who was gaining his first success as a conditional jockey.
Sean is the regular rider of Constitution Hill, the raging hot favourite for the Champion Hurdle, but he is keen to progress as a jockey and certainly gave our mare a fine ride in the colours of Gill Langford.
This is the last season for Midnight Callisto who has a beautiful pedigree when you consider she is out of a sister to the Gold Cup winner Minella Indo.
She has been consistent over hurdles and we don’t really fancy sending her chasing at this late stage when she will be off to stud soon.
Our focus then switched to Warwick where Credo excelled in the £10,000 three mile Charlie Wilson Memorial Mares’ Handicap Chase with the help of a lovely patient ride by Rex Dingle. The race set up nicely for them with Panic Attack setting a decent pace before Credo cruised into contention on the final bend before readily pulling clear.
She isn’t the biggest by any means but jumps for fun and has always had the guts for chasing. Even when she is on a long stride she will attack her fences with gusto.
Credo has been a great flagbearer for the Potwell Racing Syndicate II and will run next in a £50,000 Challenger series final for mares at Cheltenham in April. Although she might be up against it at the weights after this latest victory she is a hardy little handicapper who will give her best as usual.
