Kinross handler Lucinda Russell notched her biggest success of the season as One For Arthur ran out a convincing winner of the Grade 3 Classic Handicap Chase at Warwick.
The eight-year-old gelding was badly hampered by the fall of Kaki De La Pree at just the second flight, with just a few rivals behind.
In the hands of Derek Fox, One For Arthur gradually picked up places as field strung out over the gruelling three mile and five furlong journey.
The duo found themselves on the heels of the leaders after the third last. Swinging for home the Kerry Lee-trained Goodtoknow went on but was tracked by a smooth travelling One For Arthur.
Although running down the second last, he took up the advantage and a good jump at the last saw him go clear to win by six-lengths.
Owned by the Two Golf Widows, the son of Milan was coming into the contest on the back of an eye-catching run in the Becher Chase back in December.
For Fox, who has been with the Russell yard since October 2013, this rates as a standout in his young career so far.
“The plan was to be a bit handier, but in those big fields he’s a bit slow away from the start,” reflected Fox. “He jumps so well and he’s jumped his way into it. We decided to put the tongue-tie on him and I think it’s made a big difference.
Russell’s charge has now been cut by bookmakers for the Aintree Grand National in April where he is now a general price of 33/1.
Russell said: “He’s some horse, he really is. I’m so delighted and he jumped super. I’m delighted for Derek. He’s such a great help in the yard and such a great horseman, he deserves all the credit.
“He was unfortunate in the Becher Chase. He got shuffled back that day, ended up out the back and stayed on for fifth place. When he got hampered at the second fence (when Kaki De La Pree fell), I thought the same was going to happen again, but Derek took his time and let him get back in the race.”
