Flame too hot for rivals

Flame too strong for rivals

Last updated: 10th November 2010   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Donald McCain Cloudy Lane

Donald McCain - back in the winners' enclosure

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Fiendish Flame sprung a minor surprise when winning the £15,565 Sportech Plc Sir John Hanmer Graduation Chase at Bangor when getting the better of three rivals.

Rock Noir, a leading juvenile hurdler in France, had disappointed in his first two starts for his new connections but had impressed when winning a valuable novices' chase at Exeter last time and was well backed to build on that performance.

He travelled well in rear under Tony McCoy as Fiendish Flame adopted his customary position at the head of affairs but a mistake at the third last saw the French ace weaken tamely and he was eased right down before jumping the last and being allowed to come home in his own time.

Atouchbetweenacara was an early departure whilst Calgary Bay was being niggled along throughout to keep up with the pace over a trip well short of his optimum. Henrietta Knight's talented gelding kept on well for second but there was never any threat to Donald McCain's chaser who posted an exemplary round of jumping. Jason Maguire gave him a breather at the halfway stage before increasing his advantage to around half a dozen lengths ahead of the second last and Fiendish Flame was never in any danger.