Tropical Turns Up The Heat

Nov 9 2008 By Robin Weir

THE turf Flat season went out with a bang at Doncaster yesterday.

The November Handicap, last big race of the campaign, turned into a thriller.

And after an epic battle Tropical Strait (20-1) battled on bravely to pip gallant jolly The Betchworth Kid (9-2).

Tastahil, a 10-1 shot, ran on to take third with Dunaskin fourth at 40-1. Carte Diamond cut out the early pace and led the field coming into the straight with The Betchworth Kid nearer last than first and in desperate need of a run. However, Hayley Turner weaved her way through to hit the front around two furlongs from home.

Martin Dwyer (left) on Tropical Strait moved upsides and the pair went at it hammer and tongs in the rush for the line.

Tropical kept responding under pressure and just edged out The Kid by half a length.

Dwyer said: "I'd ride horses like this for free. He's a lovely old fellow."

Over the jumps it turned out to be another super Saturday for champion trainer Paul Nicholls.

He saddled FIVE winners at Wincanton including 12-1 shot Cornish Sett in the Badger Ales Chase. Nicholls also racked up a double at Sandown.

Champion Hurdle hero Katchit found it difficult giving away so much weight but stayed on to be third to Chomba Womba.

Borders boy Ryan Mania was in fine form at Kelso, riding a double for Peter Monteith.

Nicky Richards and his new stable jock Davy Condon rattled up the first three winners on the card and southern raider Hello Bud (3-1 fav) landed the big chase for Nigel Twiston-Davies.