Menorah lands Oaksey Chase at Sandown again
Saturday 25 April 2015 16:30, UK
Menorah claimed back-to-back successes in the Listed bet365 Oaksey Chase at Sandown as he fended off the late charge of Al Ferof.
Philip Hobbs' charge was a 17-length winner of the two-mile-six-furlong heat last term but he had to work much harder for his length-and-a-quarter success.
Third Intention showed plenty of dash and was in charge entering the closing stages of the race but Richard Johnson had plenty up his sleeve on Menorah and after pushing him to the front at the second-last, the 11-4 favourite was not for being beaten.
Al Ferof, who suffered a stumble in the early stages of the race, made late headway but Menorah had stolen the advantage with Third Intention hanging on for third.
Johnson said: "He showed guts as the ground is a bit softer than advertised.
"They've done a great job with the ground but with that bit of rain this morning, it's definitely riding good to soft, soft in places which for him is a bit soft.
"Turning in, he's really put his head down and when you've got a willing horse, it all helps. "I think he likes the sun on his back."
