Warbler in fine voice

Northern raider is Welsh wonder

Last updated: 8th January 2011   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Sam Winner Cheltenham December

Sam Winner: Only fourth in Finale Hurdle

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Marsh Warbler won the Finale Juvenile Hurdle at Chepstow as favourite Sam Winner flopped.

The winner, sent-off at 8-1, was always travelling well for Fearghal Davis and found plenty when let down to slam Houblon Des Obeaux by two-and-three-quarter lengths.

The runner-up ran a fine race on his British debut with Smad Place staying on for third.

In contrast Sam Winner weakened out of it in fourth having seemingly held every chance turning in.

Ground key

"He loved the soft ground," said Davis.

"Brian is a great man, he really likes this fellow and the only time he was disappointing was the first time at Market Rasen when he never jumped.

"He's a really improved horse and he still seems to be improving.

"Brian said to just take a lead but there was no pace so we sat upsides in front. I took my time and it worked well, I knew he'd keep galloping."

Davis is attached to the Nicky Richards yard currently experiencing heartache with the seriously-ill Monet's Garden.

Davis added of the popular grey: "It's still very much up and down, we are trying to be positive as much as we can. It's so tough for everyone in yard. Fingers crossed he will pull through."

Sky Bet have the winner and Sam Winner among their 10-1 co-favourites for the JCB Triumph Hurdle.

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