The application of a visor proved the difference for Summerghand as he recorded his first win since last year’s Steward’s Cup when getting the better of Exalted Angel in the Betway All-Weather Sprint Championships at Lingfield on Friday.
The 109-rated sprinter, who had finished seventh behind Exalted Angel in the Listed Betway Kachy Stakes in February, was making a quick return to action for trainer David O’Meara after finishing fourth on turf in the Listed Cammidge Trophy at Doncaster last week.
Summerghand edges out Exalted Angel in Betway All-Weather Sprint Championships
Tone The Barone showed good early speed from stall nine to lead the 12-strong field and had established a significant advantage over his rivals over a furlong from home.
Exalted Angel (15/2) reeled in the long-time leader just inside the final half-furlong but was himself collared near the line by 6/1 shot Summerghand, who quickened well for a head success under Adam Kirby.
Brian The Snail (18/1) came out on top in a bunch finish for third, a further two lengths back.
Kirby said: “Summerghand is obviously a horse with a lot of ability and a good bit of class.
“I was content in my position following Brian The Snail. I decided to pull out and luckily a horse stopped at just the right time when I was about to start my run.
“I therefore didn’t lose too much ground and it worked out well. I think the visor put a bit of an edge on Summerghand.
“He is a horse who has been running with plenty of credit and he can’t be knocked. When he was second at Wolverhampton a couple of starts back, he was beaten by a good horse in Streamline, and I think today’s visor just put him straight for this.
“Full credit to David O’Meara and his team. Hopefully, we continue to have a bit of luck together. It’s great to have a winner on Finals Day.”
