JACK Dexter, a regular in quality sprints over the years, had not managed to win since taking the Listed Betfred Wentworh Stakes two years ago.
He has run some good races, however, and returned to claim the same prize at 6/1 last Saturday, coming with a nicely-timed run for Danny Tudhope to pip Lightning Moon by a head with Lancelot Du Lac only half a length behind.
Charles O’Brien’s filly Iveagh Gardens boasted the best recent form and was backed from 5/1 to 7/2 favourite. She could only stay on willingly into fourth after meeting trouble at the start.
“This is about the first time this year Jack Dexter has had his ground,” winning trainer Jim Goldie said.
“He likes Doncaster and will be back to carry a penalty in the Cammidge Trophy in the spring.”
The Betfred TV EBF Stallions Breeding Winners Gillies Fillies’ Stakes looked a modest affair and afforded Roger Varian’s Princess Loulou, 6/1, the chance to put some ordinary efforts behind her with a clear-cut success under Joe Fanning.
At five she was increasing her paddocks value in the nick of time.
Richard Fahey has been in outstanding form all year and it was no great surprise when he all but landed the one-two in the competitive Betfred Good Luck Hayley Turner Handicap over seven furlongs.
Withernsea, unlucky more than once this term, finally got things right and won for Tony Hamilton at 8/1 with stable-companion Farlow, a 20/1 shot, only denied second place right on the line by Jamaican Bolt.
The north Yorkshire trainer, who set himself a target of 200 winners, surged past to end with 226 and even finished runner-up to John Gosden in the prize money stakes - a magnificent achievement.