Doncaster Sunday

THE Yorkshire Silver Vase Mares’ Chase was a thrilling renewal that went to Lady Buttons (Phil Kirby/Tommy Dowson). This was only a listed race on paper, but if Cheltenham get a finish in their first Mares’ Chase to match this, they will be delighted, and it’s hoped that the trio who served it up – and Marie Banrigh, who won the novice handicap earlier on the card – will be around to contest that contest in just over 14 months time.

As it was, Lady Buttons led in the final stride to deny BetVictor Gold Cup winner Happy Diva (Kerry Lee/Richard Patrick) with the rallying La Bague Au Roi (Warren Greatrex/Richard Johnson) just over a length back in third.

With only 1lb separating the trio at the weights, this was a true blueprint for the future, and while many are opposed to the introduction of such a race at the 2021 Festival, the grumbles will soon die down if this sort of race ensues.

Marie’s one to follow

MARIE’S Rock has been keeping out of the limelight so far, but Nicky Henderson’s daughter of Milan maintained her unbeaten record by landing a listed novice hurdle at Taunton on Monday, again showing the smart turn of foot which impressed observers when she defied market weakness at Haydock on her hurdles debut.

This race was at a minor track and confined to her own sex, but she was deeply impressive, and could be very smart, her speed rather at odds with a pedigree which suggests she will stay three miles in time.

Keep her on side.

Carver in fine form

KANTURK native Bryan Carver rode his first winner since taking up the role of conditional jockey to Paul Nicholls only four weeks ago when Scaramanga scored at Wincanton, but he has been in fine form since Christmas, and the man who started his career riding out for Mick Winters has rode six winners from 10 rides in the week since Christmas Day, including an 883/1 treble from just four rides at Exeter on New Year’s Day onboard Daytime Head (Ron Hodges), Sir Psycho (Paul Nicholls) and Tile Tapper, who landed the bumper for local handler Jimmy Frost.

McConnell doubles up at Musselburgh

CO Meath trainer John McConnell has an excellent record when sending horses across the Irish Sea, and he improved his strike-rate when landing a double at Musselburgh on New Year’s Day. Sporting the colours of owner Caroline Ahearn, Never Do Nothing and Fred The Foot took the first two races to get 2010 off to the perfect start for the Fowlerstown handler.

The former was a 135,000 gns purchase from the stable of Andrew Balding for whom he was a useful middle-distance handicapper, and he looked a decent prospect in winning the juvenile hurdle.