OVER the years Preston trainer Eric Alston has had some very fast horses and he is also a man to be taken very seriously when sending them on a long journey. The Bushranger filly Ridge Ranger, starting at 14/1, took it up at half-way in the five-furlong Weatherbys Private Banking Handicap and fairly shot clear for Neil Farley to beat heavily-backed favourite Double Up by a length and a half.

Her previous form had been against her own sex over slightly longer trips but she is clearly speedy and may well be up to listed class, owner Con Harrington hopes.

Humidor reared in the stalls but James Doyle was still on board as they opened, before being unseated. The horse was deemed a runner and there was no repeat of last Saturday’s Ascot fiasco.

On a very successful opening day for Richard Hannon, Inland Sea (4/1 joint-favourite) and Papa Luigi gave him a one-two in the juvenile maiden with the winner probably heading for the Mill Reef at Newbury.

Robert Eddery has been ticking over quite quietly and his 20/1 shot Mister Music burst through for Andrea Atzeni to land the closing Turf Club Handicap over a mile.