ON the all-weather at Lingfield, David Elsworth’s Master The World and Sean Levey were awarded the valuable Group 3 Betway Winter Derby Stakes after taking a hefty bump from Mr Owen and Jamie Spencer very close to the line. With the margin only a head, the stewards had little option but to reverse the placings.

Battle Of Marathon also came from the back to finish third and last year’s winner Convey was right there in fourth despite suffering a recent setback.

Most people agreed that Master The World, successful in the big mile handicap at Goodwood and the Listed Churchill Stakes here in the autumn, would have won but for the incident.

“He goes best for Sean and likes it here. He’ll be back for the Easter Classic,” said part-owner Kevin Quinn.

David Simcock was more inclined to aim Mr Owen at the big mile race that day, but Sir Michael Stoute may well decide to let Convey defend his crown.

Mystery surrounds the performance of Aidan O’Brien’s Clear Skies, 2/1 favourite after a prolific spell at Dundalk. This was O’Brien’s first runner on the all-weather here for 16 years but things did not work out, the filly being already under strong pressure when she met interference at the furlong pole and dropped out to finish last. She is clearly capable of much better.

Goodness Gracious

THOSE who stick to official ratings despite worrying recent performances had an 8/1 winner In David Evans’ Gracious John, 11lbs clear of his rivals in the Listed Betway Hever Sprint Stakes over five furlongs.

Right back to form, he pinged the boxes and Fran Berry had just enough in hand to repel Encore D’Or and Ryan Moore by a short-head.“He picked up the bridle today,” Berry said with a grin.

Nicholls again

FONTWELL survived a Sunday morning inspection and Paul Nicholls’ fortunes improved still further as grand battler Old Guard, so consistent at just below the top level, took the Grade 2 totepool National Spirit Hurdle in a good finish with his blinkered market rival Lil Rockerfeller.