West End a Classic show-stopper
West End Rocker just held the late lunge of Minella Boys in a thrilling finish to the totesport.com Classic Chase at Warwick today.
With the ground officially heavy and soft in places, the three-mile-five-furlong trip was always going to take some getting and there were only really a handful left in it turning for home.
Long-time leader Comply Or Die found it all a bit too much under top weight as Wayne Hutchinson kicked for home on West End Rocker, so it was left to Minella Boys to mount the only really credible challenge.
The 4-1 favourite gave it his all but he finished three-quarters of a length behind West End Rocker at the line with Incentivise a further eight lengths back in third.
Trained by Alan King, West End Rocker is a 25-1 shot with Blue Square for the John Smith's Grand National.
Court In Motion gave Backspin's Cheltenham hopes a further boost as he came out on top in the Neptune Investment Management Leamington Novices' Hurdle.
The 6-4 favourite finished eight lengths behind Jonjo O'Neill's charge in the Challow Hurdle last time but came good for Emma Lavelle here with a 21-length romp.
Shalimar Fromentro (2-1) was a five-length winner of the totesport 0800 221 221 Novices' Chase but his triumph was tainted by the fatal fall of the well-regarded Peveril.
Trainer Nicky Henderson was at Kempton, where he saddled a memorable Grade One double, but said: "It's up and down, up and down today. That was horrible - the poor old horse. Andrew (Tinkler) is OK."
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Page 2: 07:59Clerk of the course Andrew Morris said: "A drying night has saved us so it's fantastic news."
Racing is due to commence at 12.40pm, with a seven-race card featuring the totesport.com Classic Chase.
The going is heavy, soft in places.
