Fergal makes amends with Sir Bond
Apr 30 2005 By The Journal
Fergal Lynch was back in his boss's good books when he snatched a last-gasp victory on Sir Bond in the Stenton Handicap at Musselburgh yesterday.
Bryan Smart's gelding was making amends for an unlucky run under Lynch at Beverley last time with a neck call over Banjo Bay.
Sir Bond had encountered traffic problems when a six-length second to Baylaw Star at the East Yorkshire track eight days ago but he enjoyed a trouble-free passage in this seven-furlong contest.
The well-backed 100-30 favourite still had plenty to do with two furlongs to go as Banjo Bay set sail for home. But once switched to the outside the market leader soon made up the leeway to catch his rival in the shadow of the post.
Tim Easterby's Flat string has made a slow start to the campaign but they are now running into form and the Malton trainer saddled his third winner on the level in the last week when Most Definitely obliged in the Gebals Solicitors Handicap.
The 5-1 chance was given a confident ride by Dave Allan to beat Into The Shadows by a neck and leave owner Barry Batey dreaming of more glory in the Northumberland Plate.
"I won the Plate back in 1993 with Highflying and I'd like to think that could be the target for Most Definitely this time," Batey said.
"I thought he'd run well today on his second to Sendintank here last November."
Stoic Leader was brought with a well-timed challenge by Andrew Mullen to land the spoils in the www.edmonds.co.uk Handicap.
Kew The Music took over with one of the eight furlongs left to go and looked all set to score. But Mullen had him in his sights and he pounced in the last 100 yards to catch the leader and gain the day a shade cosily by half a length.
Middleham trainer Mark Johnston rarely leaves the Scottish track empty-handed and so it proved once again when Generous Option proved too good for her rivals in the Royal Bank Of Scotland Handicap.
The 9-4 shot was given a positive ride by Kevin Darley on the filly's first attempt at seven furlongs and after leading at halfway she saw the trip out well.
Generous Option was confirming the promise she had shown on her previous start and Jock Bennett, Johnston's assistant, said: "Kevin said she travelled well. It was soft the other day when she ran at Ripon and she handled this faster ground OK and lengthened well on it."
