David Evans’ useful filly Radio Goo Goo won for the seventh time in 30 starts at Chester on Saturday. She had the benefit of a decent draw three off the rail and broke well, leading narrowly before kicking on turning into the short straight. Her lead was whittled away steadily in the closing stages, but she was game and held on by a nose. She’s now unbeaten in three runs at the Roodee, all over six furlongs. Evans will no doubt conjure up some more victories from her when quick ground, a good break and the handicapper permits. She is entered at Thirsk on Wednesday.
Sean Bowen was in treble-winning form at Cartmel on Sunday. His first mount, Letterston Lady, is a four-year-old filly who ran nicely in her second bumper to finish third at Haydock in May and even better at Southwell earlier this month, when she won a mares-only contest. Facing timber for the first time, she jumped adequately and was going well enough during the race. Bowen waited until inside the final furlong before asking her to go through a gap. This she did effortlessly and quickly put four lengths between her and her rivals. She was getting weight from them – they were McCain and O’Brien mares who had each won three races – but even so the style of her victory was very impressive. Peter and Micky Bowen train her for the Peter Bowen Racing Club, and she runs in familiar yellow and maroon colours long associated with the yard.
Sean’s next winner was not so easy, forcing Saint Bibiana home in the last few strides of a 3m1f hurdle. The mare had been prominent throughout and looked done for when yielding second place turning into the straight, but under the Bowen drive she stuck her neck out and hit the front just in time. Favourite backers were delighted the 5/2 shot had got up, whereas the bookies had been cheering for the 66/1 runner-up. Saint Bibiana, trained by Georgina Nicholls, was recording a personal hat-trick, Lorcan Williams being in the saddle the last twice.
Roll With It won the Cartmel finale, tenderly handled by Bowen and kept wide in search of better ground for much of the race. He was asked to overtake the leader inside the final furlong and ran on well to score by half a length. It was the eight-year-old’s third run for the Bowen stable and, like most of their handicap chasers, looks sure to pay his way by winning his share.
At the time of writing Sean is eight ahead of Harry Cobden in terms of winners in this year’s title race, but eleven behind Harry Skelton, whose brother Dan has reverted to the tactics of a few seasons ago by having plenty of summer jumpers to run.
Chepstow’s next meeting is Ladies Evening on Friday 12th, with an Abba tribute band adding to the fun. Booking in advance could save you money.
