MARK TOMPKINS is hoping he has found a horse to provide him with a second Classic after Ted Spread landed a gutsy success in the MBNA Chester Vase on the Roodee yesterday.
Only two horses – Henbit (1980) and Shergar (1981) – have gone on to glory in the Derby at Epsom following victory in the Chester Vase. And although Stan James trimmed Tompkins charge into 25-1 for the Investec Derby – 50-1 is available with William Hill and Victor Chandler – the trainer is looking more toward the Ladbrokes St Leger in September for Ted Spread.
The Newmarket handler won the Doncaster Classic 17 years ago with Bob’s Return. And although Ted Spread is likely to line up at Epsom on June 5, Tompkins is more upbeat of the possibility of landing the same Chester-Doncaster double secured by Millenary 10 years ago.
Darryll Holland made his way to the front on Ted Spread (8-1) off the final bend, knowing he had the stamina to last home in the 1m4f Group Three contest.
He was challenged by Icon Dream, but he battled on gamely to land the Vase by a head.
Tompkins said: “Darryll had to wind him up, but he stayed on well on the ground. We instilled in Darryll that he would stay.
“He’s in the Derby and I suppose we’ll go there if the ground is right, but he wouldn’t it too firm and longer term we’ll go down the St Leger route as he should stay that far.
“That was a good experience for him around the turns, he had to battle a bit and it will have done him good.”
William Buick continued his excellent week on the Roodee with another victory yesterday. He followed up his success in Weatherbys Bank Chester Oaks on Tuesday on board Gertrude Bell with his third win of the week on John Gosden’s Debussy in the Betfair Huxley Stakes.
The 11-1 chance scored a two-length success over the front-running Les Fazzani. The runner-up had most of his rivals on the stretch following a enterprising front-running ride from Warrington jockey Paul Hanagan.
But Buick and Debussy reeled them in to land the Group Three contest.
Buick said: “I wanted to jump and make the running but Paul Hanagan went on and I was happy to sit behind.
“Turning in I always felt he would win so long as nothing came from the clouds.
“Things are going well and I am very happy. There are plenty of nice horses to look forward to riding.”
Buick landed his fourth win as Windsor second Dress Up landed the Abode Hotel EBF Maiden Stakes.
Meanwhile Harbinger returns to the scene of his first career success looking to build on last month’s convincing Newbury win at Chester in the Boodles Diamond Ormonde Stakes today.
Harry Herbert, racing manager to owners Highclere Thoroughbred Racing said: “He was impressive at Newbury and touch wood he seems in great form. I saw him yesterday morning breeze through and he’s moving well. I know Sir Michael is pleased with the way he’s come out of the Newbury race and with his preparation.
“He acted on the course when he won his maiden there last year, but it’s one step at a time.
“These races are never easy and he’s got a 3lb penalty. We’re hopeful he’ll manage that, but he’s got Age Of Aquarius to take on and stiff opposition from other good horses.”
