Lucy Alexander's stock continues to rise and she was seen to great effect on Or De Grugy in the TurfTV Handicap Chase at Musselburgh, the second leg of a 39-1 double.

Having whittled her allowance down the 3lb in recent seasons, it is only a matter of time before the conditional jockey joins the fully-fledged ranks.

Or De Grugy (4-1) looked booked for second at best as Richard Johnson on The Big Freeze held a five-length advantage turning into the home straight. Alexander refused to panic, however, and while some jockeys may have attempted to quickly make up the ground, she bided her time and was still a length down jumping the last. Their progress was relentless by then and Alexander cosily got on top approaching the line to win by a length.

Five of the 10-year-old's previous six victories over fences had come at Kelso and a return to the Borders track is on the cards.

Both of Alexander's winners were trained by her father, Nick, who told Racing UK: "Lucy said he was flat to the boards and he'd be better on a stiffer track. She didn't give him a hard race. He's a smashing horse. A year ago he was rated in the 120s but I don't think he'll ever be as good as that again. Hopefully there's a little bit more to come, especially if we can get back to Kelso."

The opening first division of the JRF Chimney Specialist Handicap Hurdle was a real family affair as Nick Alexander saddled a one-two with Lucy on the winner, Goldtrek (7-1), and her younger brother, Kit, a student at Durham University, on runner-up King Brex.

"It's been a brilliant day," said Alexander snr.

"I think Lucy was extra determined. Her brother was breathing down her neck and it was a bit like when they were eight years old and racing on ponies. I hope Kit doesn't turn professional - I'm hoping he becomes a bookmaker and then we might make some money out of the game, eventually."

The best horse on show throughout the day was undoubtedly Donald McCain's Doyly Carte (8-11 favourite), who won the Buy Your 2013 Annual Members Badge Today Mares' Only Maiden Hurdle by 11 lengths without coming off the bridle. A four-year-old filly by Doyen, she is a half-sister to the high-class Flat performer Dandino and, just like him, is owned by the Elite Racing Club.

Owners' representative Tony Hill said: "These are really exciting times with her. She really couldn't have won any easier and while I know the opposition was hardly Cheltenham standard, it was thrilling to see her do that. We're delighted with having Donald as a trainer - his regime and everything about him is first class. I'm not sure about plans but at this stage we'd be dreaming of Cheltenham."

13 May 2013

Fabre confirms Ocovango for Epsom
Aspect on route to big things
Room at the top for Cityscape
Freedom steps into chasing ranks
Lucky thirteen in line for Lockinge
Galway beckons for Swinton hero
Sajjhaa set for late return
Cadeaux thriving in Singapore
Pink primed for Duke Of York
Liber takes aim at Musidora
Battle won for O'Brien
Pretending the real deal
Duntle back to winning ways
Classic glory for Flotilla
Style wins the day in Paris
Highclere double-handed for Dante
Cornerstone plans up in the air
Beckett planning Gesture workout

12 May 2013

No hurry for Jammy plans
Guest in hunt for more Ascot glory
Vow set for Goodwood return
Gold-en boy Anodin in Classic hunt
Buick aiming for French strike
Angel flies home to land Chartwell
Barizan bounces back in style
Queally lights up Ascot meeting
Ektihaam storms to Buckhounds win
Nevis takes depleted Trial contest
Hard-fought battle won at Haydock
Secret impresses in Oaks Trial
Ascot drama for Fanning

11 May 2013

Felix foot-perfect on fencing debut
Cavalryman leads Cup charge
Ramsa ready to stand Trial
Duntle out to dazzle in Amethyst
Swift return doesn't bother Moran
Garman gives Bolger hope
Henderson: Ground vital for Voice
McMahon sweet on Tart Ascot claims
Murphy to move to France
Athos flies to Ormonde glory
Dee day for impressive Magician
Kingdom confirmed for Queen Anne
Secret's out for Lingfield glory
Lambe expects good run from Hall
Marengo ready to do battle
Greatwood on trial at Lingfield
Barizan sneaks into Swinton
Jamesie gunning for Vic-tory

10 May 2013

Telescope focus is on Dante
Blinkers considered for Guarantee#
Bonfire camp bemoan Huxley flop
Moohaajim has six appeal
Ascot welcomes a couple of Guests