Racing Centre

Pipedreamer on his way to Cambridgeshire glory. Photo: Steven Cargill

PIPEDREAMER gave trainer John Gosden a second totesport.com Cambridgeshire triumph and landed a mighty gamble in the process.

The first leg of Newmarket’s famous autumn double went the way of the Selkirk colt, who was significantly backed ante-post for the race.

Gosden, who also sent out Halling to win the prestigious handicap in 1994, walked the NatWest Rowley Mile course on Saturday morning to ensure the ground was suitable for the son of Selkirk.

To the vast relief of Pipedreamer’s army of backers, Gosden gave the go-ahead for his charge to race and the result was a stirring success for the four-year-old.

Jimmy Fortune always had the wheels rolling smoothly on the Cheveley Park-owned horse, who charged to the front well over a furlong out. The 5-1 shot opened up a decisive advantage and while Docofthebay flew in the closing stages he was never going to rein in Pipedreamer, the one-length winner.

Gosden said: "It's a long way from the Cambridgeshire to the Eclipse as Halling did, but this horse has the form to go for a race like the Earl Of Sefton next spring, while I might bring him back for a Listed race over a mile and a quarter at the next meeting here.”

The Kingdom Of Bahrain Sun Chariot Stakes produced a similarly enthralling spectacle with Majestic Roi springing a 16-1 surprise. The Street Cry filly, ridden by Darryll Holland, reined in Nannina inside the final furlong to delight her trainer Mick Channon.

He said: “The ground was right for her today and she has improved with her racing. She stays in training and has just got the hang of racing and I feel she can improve further.”

The Countrywide Steel And Tubes Joel Stakes was won in good style by Creachadoir, while the Finnforest Oh So Sharp Stakes went the way of the Marco Botti-trained Raymi Coya.

Also successful on the day were Talk Of Saafend (EBF Jersey Lily nursery), Cetic Sultan (totesport 0800 221 221 handicap) and Malt Or Mash (Suffolk Insulation And Renovation Serices handicap).

Racing returns to Newmarket on Friday, October 19 for a two-day meeting including Champions’ Day on October 20.

By Tony Rushmer