HUNTINGDON sensibly stages its most valuable race, the Grade 2 Betfred Peterborough Chase, away from ultra-busy Saturdays. Last Sunday it attracted a select field of five runners with nearly £39,000 going to the winner but the finish lacked excitement as Dan Skelton’s 9/4 chance Al Ferof, almost certainly holding Ptit Zig when that rival came down at the last, was left some 40 lengths clear of the mare Pepite Rose.

Last year’s winner Wishfull Thinking, having led, dropped away tamely in the closing stages.

Skelton is in terrific form but was quick to thank Ptit Zig’s trainer Paul Nicholls, who was his boss at Ditcheat until recently and also looked after Al Ferof. A two and a half mile race worth this much money was perfect for the winner, who has sometimes looked capable of staying further but finds it a struggle in top company. Skelton is keeping his options open.

MUSSELBUGH TRIUMPHS

It was very much Ireland’s day at Musselburgh on Monday as Gordon Elliott completed a double and Oldtown trainer Paul Henderson won the two-mile handicap hurdle with 11/2 chance Moonlone Lane in the hands of talented amateur Lorna Brooke.

Moonlone Lane has suddenly come good at the age of eight, winning over fences at Fairyhouse last time in the hands of Miss Brooke, who was a complete stranger to the trainer until someone suggested her for the ride; she was only there for a mount in the ladies’ race.

Henderson was impressed and promptly booked her again this week, when she had to drive over six and a half hours from Llandrindod Wells in Wales to fulfil the engagement.

Ridden up with the pace, Moonlone Lane galloped on willingly to hold Sirpertan by three lengths. Brooke was up against senior professionals and is clearly excellent value for her 7lb allowance. “She rode my horse a lot better than some of the men would have done,” Henderson said.

Richard Johnson has established a very successful relationship with Elliott and won the opening novices’ hurdle with the long odds-on shot Fagan, following up with another simple task on 4/1 on chance Myztique in the bumper.

Well though he performed, Elliott was outshone by Lucinda Russell, who sent out Maraweh, the formerly frustrating Tap Night and Itstimeforapint to complete a treble. It was a long journey for Tap Night’s jockey Tom Scudamore, son of Miss Russell’s partner, former champion jockey Peter.