DEAR RALPHY gained his second success over hurdles with a storming late run that took him to the front close home in a Class 5 long distance handicap hurdle at Fontwell on Wednesday in the colours of Jon Pike.
He benefitted from an ice cool patient ride by Harry Cobden who dropped him in at the rear of the field before starting to make headway as the field turned for home with two flights left to jump.
Dear Ralphy then steadily worked his way through the field before quickening smartly on the flat on the far rail to seal the victory by a length from Glorious Mist.
The winner got a bit lit up when he first ran him in blinkers in the spring but seems more relaxed now that we are using patient tactics.
He stays very well and holds an entry tomorrow at evening at Newton Abbot where he has to carry a 7lbs penalty but I will see how he has come of his race at Fontwell before deciding to let him run.
Well done.