ON a good afternoon for anyone called Moore, Gary and son Jamie claimed the Ascot feature, the Grade 2 Sodexo Gold Cup Handicap Chase, with 11/1 chance Antony.

This was a big step up from Fontwell but he won in style, benefiting from a smooth run through on the inner and hitting the front two out. Old rival Junction Fourteen was still over four lengths adrift at the line with 9/4 favourite Saphir Du Rheu a short-head behind.

“It’s a massive surprise to me, to be honest, because I thought the ground would be quick enough for him,’’ Gary Moore said. “Jamie’s been telling me this is my Grand National horse and I thought he was dreaming again but I hope he’s right.’’

Paul Nicholls’ Saphir Du Rheu lost his way after the Hennessy last year. Well-handicapped but rank bad value last week, he probably deserves another chance in the Newbury feature, while fifth home Tea For Two, absent since February, also did enough to indicate he could be a force.

STERNRUBIN HOLDS ON

The Listed William Hill Handicap Hurdle over two miles looked as intricate as ever but victory went to Philip Hobbs’ 12/1 shot Sternrubin, a confirmed front-runner who just clung on to hold Instant Karma by half a length, with Modus, Fergall and Chi’Tibello all close up.

The winner, who dead-heated in the Ladbroke over course and distance last year, was 8lb higher but saw it out gamely for Tom O’Brien with Richard Johnson in action at Wetherby.

Instant Karma, bred to win a Derby, is one of very few jumpers trained by Michael Bell and closed all the way up the straight without quite finding the extra to get there. Modus would have collared the pair in another 50 yards and the three may meet again in the Greatwood at Cheltenham.

Winning owner Terry Warner revealed that he had overruled Hobbs, who wanted to go straight to the Cheltenham race. The trainer was no doubt more than happy to come second in a friendly argument.

Colin Tizzard’s Quite By Chance, 8/1, forged six lengths clear for O’Brien in the Listed Byrne Group Handicap Chase over two miles.

Absent since May, the Midnight Legend seven-year-old stayed on strongly to account for Noche De Reyes after leading three out and is another heading for Cheltenham.

Hennessy raids Ayr

AT Ayr, Co Meath trainer Robbie Hennessy picked up a nice £16,000-plus prize with Space Ship, who won the grandly-titled Tennent’s Cup Scottish Champion Hurdle Trial at 7/1.

Ridden by Shane Shortall, Space Ship moved through to lead soon after three out and stayed on strongly to account for Martila by just under two lengths. He seemed happier over two miles than two and a half.

“He’s had breathing problems due to a dust allergy so he stays out in an all-weather paddock 24 hours a day,’’ Hennessy reported.

SHEEHY SCORES

There was further Irish-trained success in Britain on Tuesday. Just a month after riding his first winner at Dundalk, apprentice Danny Sheehy partnered his first winner in Britain on the Adrian Keatley-trained Buzz Boy (6/1), who ran out a clear-cut winner of the one mile, six furlong handicap at Redcar.

Seeyouatmidnight

much improved

SANDY Thomson’s Seeyouatmidnight looked an immensely promising stayer last season but faded quite quickly in the RSA Chase at Cheltenham. He picked up the winning thread at Carlisle on Sunday, beating sole odds-on rival Bristol De Mai by a dozen lengths in the Listed Colin Parker Memorial Chase.

Allowed an easy lead, Seeyouatmidnight (15/8) jumped well for Brian Hughes, quickened the tempo at half-way and galloped on strongly when Bristol De Mai challenged. It was an impressive display.

The winner has been given a Betfair Chase entry.

Sir Valentino finds Exeter graded gold

PHILIP Hobbs’ and Richard Johnson’s fine run so nearly continued in a pulsating Grade 2 1888Bet Haldon Gold Cup at Exeter on Tuesday but even-money favourite Garde La Victoire was caught and beaten a short-head by Tom George’s 10/1 chance Sir Valentino. Former champion chaser Dodging Bullets was well held in third.

The 24-year-old Adrian Heskin was enjoying his biggest success since joining George in September. He rode a quiet, calm race and lost nothing in comparison alongside Johnson in a tremendous finish.

This was Sir Valentino’s first success at graded level but he may well go on to the Tingle Creek at Sandown.