Blenheim Brook played a starring role as part of a magnificent treble for trainer Lucinda Russell at Ayr on Monday.
The Kinross-based handler is enjoying another excellent season and has made a particularly fine start to February, with this hat-trick following on from a double at Newcastle last week. Of the three scorers, Blenheim Brook was undoubtedly the class act as he secured his second victory over fences with a fine performance in the Best Odds At BetVictor.com Novices' Chase.
The 7-2 chance has yet to finish outside the first two since tackling fences and he was facing evens-favourite Lie Forrit for the second time this season having come off second best when the pair clashed at Kelso in December. But it was a different story this time around, with Blenheim Brook always travelling the better of the pair under Peter Buchanan and he quickened clear between the final two fences. In typical Lie Forrit style, he came back tenaciously on the run-in, but Russell's charge had a length and a quarter in hand passing the post.
"Our horse has obviously improved a lot since Kelso. I still think Lie Forrit is a pretty good horse and there isn't a lot between them," said Russell.
"Blenheim Brook is really establishing himself as a stayer and after seeing him do that today, I think we'll go for the four-miler (National Hunt Chase) at Cheltenham. Ideally he'd like softer ground but you'd hope he'd handle it all right over that trip.
"The horses are running well, but us trainers are never happy. We've had a double and a treble at the last couple of meetings, but I'd prefer four or five winners!"
Lucia Bay kicked off the treble in the opening BetVictor.com Mares' Novices' Hurdle. The 6-4 shot had the measure of market leader Mae's Choice from the turn for home and although she fluffed her lines at the third last, she was soon back on the bridle and eased to a three-and-three-quarter-length win under Campbell Gillies.
Russell continued: "She gave us a bit of a fright at the third last but I'm really pleased with her and she seems to be progressing, which is great. The mares' final at Newbury would be an obvious race to look at with her."
Russell and Buchanan completed a fine day's work as Quacity (13-2) beat his rivals comprehensively in the Watch Live Racing At BetVictor.com Novices' Handicap Chase.
The trainer added: "That will have done his confidence good. He's a big, strong horse and he barges his way through his obstacles a bit, but he's a nice novice chaser."
