Expense Claim's Cup

Hot handicap won in great style by progressive gelding

Last updated: 19th May 2012   Subscribe to RSS Feed

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Jimmy Fortune 2011

Jimmy Fortune: Impressed with Expense Claim

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Expense Claim capped a fine week for Andrew Balding by confirming he is a three-year-old full of promise when completing a hat-trick at Newbury.

After stablemate Bonfire booked his place in the Investec Derby with a clear-cut victory in the Dante Stakes at York on Thursday, Expense Claim has now earned a trip to Royal Ascot.

Classics are not an option for the Intikhab gelding, but he is very progressive as he followed up wins at Kempton and Salisbury in the Blue Square London Gold Cup.

The 7-1 shot quickened up in great style for Jimmy Fortune two furlongs out to open up a clear lead and beat Hajras by two lengths.

Sluiced Up

Fortune said: "I thought it was good performance.

"He's got quite a high cruising speed for a big horse."

With Balding at Newmarket where he saddled Highland Colori to victory, his wife Anna Lisa said: "That was thrilling as he's a lovely horse and is so genuine.

"He was in good form at home and we were hopeful, but it was a big step up and he has done it.

"As Jimmy said when he got off, he has sluiced up. I hope I won't be shot saying we will go to Royal Ascot for the King George V Handicap now."