Nick Alexander is dreaming of a possible Scottish Grand National tilt with Isla Pearl Fisher following his last-gasp victory at Musselburgh.
An early faller on his seasonal reappearance at Newcastle, the nine-year-old was an 8-1 shot for what looked a competitive Weatherbys Hamilton Insurance Handicap Chase, but he appeared to have little chance rounding the home turn, with the trainer's daughter Lucy rowing along in the saddle.
Champion jockey Tony McCoy rode a positive race on favourite Blenheim Brook, but just when he looked to have victory in the bag, Isla Pearl Fisher flew home from the final fence to take the spoils by a neck.
Alexander senior told Racing UK: "Lucy gave the horse a lovely ride and that did make it particularly special. He's not the most straightforward jumper and makes the odd mistake, but she got him jumping really well, particularly on the second circuit.
"He didn't look like he was going anywhere, but he stays well and just got there in time. I hope he's still progressing and while it might be aiming a bit high, I would love to think he could be a Scottish National horse. If the ground was right at Ayr he might go well in that."
Parc Des Princes similarly came from the clouds to land the Weatherbys Printing Handicap Hurdle under an inspired ride from Dougie Costello. It was the jockey's fourth victory on the Nicky Richards-trained 20-1 shot.
Costello said: "He's a little bit quirky and he's one of those you have to organise early going into a hurdle, but he's a little star. He's the sort of horse that likes to be dropped in and come with one run. He's won us four now and if he keeps winning races like this you can't knock him."
Bargain-buy Everdon Brook (9-1) ran out a ready winner of the Watch Kelso On TurfTV In Betting Shops Handicap Hurdle under conditional jockey Tony Kelly.
Darlington-based trainer David Thompson said: "He came from Ascot sales and only cost £1,600 and he seems revitalised. Tony said he had plenty in the tank and he travels in his races and enjoys himself. Hopefully there is a bit more improvement in him. His ideal trip is three miles plus, he just keeps galloping."
Donald McCain landed a double through Bhaltair (14-1) in the Scottish Racing Your Best Bet Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Chase under Henry Brooke, and Swift Arrow (11-2), who edged out hot favourite Hazy Tom in a thrilling finish to the Weatherbys Bank Handicap Chase under Jason Maguire.
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