Alfred Wincham defied a mammoth 13lb rise in the weights to run out a clear-cut winner of the Virgin Bet November Handicap at Doncaster pm Saturday.

Having bolted up at York last time out the handicapper took a dim view but he landed the final major race of the British flat season in some style to suggest big races await next year.

Trained by Paddy Neville, better known for his training of jumpers having won at the Cheltenham Festival with The Real Whacker, he was bought from Ireland after winning a bumper at Down Royal.

The plan was to go hurdling with him but after a few pieces of work on the gallops, Neville spotted his potential on the Flat and this was his third win in five races on the level.

Alfred Wincham went off the 3/1 joint-favourite with Nobody Knows and the two raced together for much of the race before Oisin Orr burst clear on the eventual winner.

Too Soon and Toby Moore came out of the pack to claim second for his uncles Josh and Jamie, finishing a length behind the winner, with Ian Williams’ Real Dream back in third.

Orr told Sky Sports Racing: “It was pretty easy to be honest, my only worry was I was drawn in 10 and I wanted to get a position but I ended up getting in pretty easy and he’s won with his ears pricked.

“He won easily at York and I’d say he was only doing the bare minimum today. He’s won with a fair bit in hand and obviously gets through soft ground well.

“He’s not over-big but he’s got an engine. It’s a great one to get.”

Neville was not on course as he was in hospital but the result will help speed up his recovery.

Improving sprinter

Earlier in the day Coul Angel stepped out of handicaps with aplomb when leaving his rivals toiling in the Virgin Bet Every Saturday Money Back Wentworth Stakes.

Mick Appleby’s four-year-old had been in a rich vein of form in the second half of the season, going close in two big handicaps at York before winning at the Curragh and the gaining further rewards on the Knavesmire last time out.

This may have been his first run outside of handicaps, yet he took the step up in grade in his stride, with jockey Jo Mason riding him confidently.

She brought him with a sustained run near the stands rail and he hit the front a furlong out, bursting clear to win by two and three-quarter lengths from George Scott’s Poatan as the 11/4 favourite.

Coul Angel sports the same colours as Big Evs and Big Mojo and his owners Paul and Rachael Teasdale appear to have another classy sprinter on their hands.

Mason told Sky Sports Racing; “That was a bit special, I’ve come up against him a few time when I’ve ridden Sondad but he did that so effortlessly.

“I got a nice tow in to it, asked him to quicken and he’s gone. I couldn’t compare him to Sondad, I love them both!

“He’s been so progressive, he impressed at the Curragh when he beat me (on Sondad) and then he’s come here and won a Listed race, they’ve done a great job with him.

“With a nice horse like that they do it effortlessly, it’s not hard work and they do it easily.

“My grandad (Mick Easterby) will be watching he he always says I’m better over a trip but I’ve just won a Listed sprint there so right back at you Grandad!”

Appleby said: “He’s just progressed all season. I’m sure there’ll be plenty of options next year for him, obviously it will be Group races for him now.”