SPARSHOLT trainer Harry Whittington is looking forward to sending Emerging Force chasing next season after the gelding recorded his second win over the smaller obstacles with a last-gasp success at Doncaster.
The six-year-old caught Whataknight on the line to snatch the spoils by a nose in a handicap hurdle over an extended three miles under Richard Johnson.
And Whittington said: “He’s still growing physically and needs to fill his frame, which is why he finds heavy ground a bit of a struggle.
“I’m thrilled with that. He’ll have one more run this season and go chasing next season.”
Daliance finished with a flourish at Fakenham to claim his second victory for Blewbury trainer Noel Williams this season, and give jockey William Featherstone his first double.
The seven-year-old, a winner at Huntingdon, looked beaten when Lee Side Lady went clear two flights from home in a handicap hurdle over two and a half miles.
But Featherstone galvanised his mount to collar the leader at the last flight, before holding on by a head.
West Ilsley trainer Mick Channon was relieved after Blacklister got off the mark at the 14th attempt when taking a mile maiden stakes at Lingfield by three-quarters of a length under George Baker.
Channon said: “There is absolutely zero question over his attitude. He’s tried from day one and is completely genuine.”
It was the handler’s second winner in four days after Willsy caused a 33-1 shock in a seven-furlong handicap at Kempton, holding off Santiburi Spring by a head.
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