ROGER Marley's stable picked up a Maiden double at the Zetland point to point held at Witton Castle last Sunday.
Just Jay (Middleton), ridden by Richard Wakeham, who was deputising for the injured Clive Mulhall, was the winner in the first division. He moved on terms with long-time leader Dracaena (Hurworth), ridden by owner Nigel Tutty, at the fourth last and hit the front two from home.
Despite jumping badly right at the last, Just Jay kept on well for an eight-length win from Dracaena, who was 15 lengths clear of The Beeker (A Pocklington/Bedale), who showed his first form under Freya Hartley.
Ballyowen (Middleton) completed the Marley double in the third division of the Maiden. He went well throughout and yet another fine leap at the final ditch saw him go clear. Despite making his first mistake at the second last, he galloped on strongly to win under Nigel Tutty.
Rare Presence (T Stubbins/Holderness), trained by Mary Sowersby, finished second. He made much of the early running under Guy Brewer and finished well clear of the rest despite not being able to match the speed of the winner.
The Sarah Dent-trained Royal Snoopy (M Abrahams/West of Yore) was the impressive winner of a strong Men's Open.
Ridden by Rupert Abrahams, he drew level with Grant Tuer on his own Backsheesh (Bedale) three from home and then went clear. The David Easterby-trained Arctic Challenge (T Gittins/Middleton), ridden by Tom Greenall, ran on after the second last and reduced Royal Snoopy's lead to two lengths at the last. But he could make no further impression as both horses galloped on well to the line. Arctic Challenge finished second, seven lengths in front of Backsheesh, who was outpaced approaching the last.
Wilfie Wild (A Jackson/Cleveland) recorded his fourth win of the campaign when taking the Ladies Open. Lynne Ward rode a patient race on the nine-year-old, who she also trains.
Wilfie Wild closed three from home and was in front by the second last. Despite the efforts of Quango and Legendry Line (Sinnington), he was never seriously threatened after and had opened up a six-length lead at the line.
Ridden by owner Serena Brotherton, Legendry Line finished second, four lengths in front of The Minister (H Thompson/Cleveland), who came with a strong finish under trainer Tina Jackson.
Jill Jones' Bobby Buttons (S Jones/Hurworth) has never finished out of the first two since being united with Tina Jackson and improved again to take the Intermediate race.
Bob Woodhouse's Ellie Bee (Middleton) made much of the running under Ben Woodhouse, but was headed for the first time at the final fence and made a mistake which handed the initiative to Bobby Buttons. Both horses battled bravely up the run-in, with Bobby Buttons three lengths in front at the line.
Prioritisation (P Finn/Middleton) completed back-to-back victories when taking the Restricted race under trainer Ben Woodhouse. Making all, he landed two lengths clear at the last, a margin which was extended to four lengths at the line. Trish Russell's Search Party (Middleton) was always well placed and finished second under Simon Walker.
Walker went one better in the second division of the Maiden when partnering the Chris Pimlott-trained Dannymalone (Garden Shed Partners/Middleton). The favourite led five from home and pulled well clear after the third last, keeping on in good style for a ten-length win. John Wade's Eisenhower (South Durham) ran a good race back in second under Chris Dawson.
l The Bilsdale point to point takes place at Easingwold tomorrow, first race 2pm.
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