No place like Ascot for Victtorino

Victtorino continued his love affair with Ascot when courageously shading a thrilling finish to the Betfair Swinley Handicap Chase.

The Venetia Williams-trained seven-year-old was pushed all the way up the run-in by top-weight Threeunderthrufive, with both horses taking it in turn to bob their heads in front.

However, it was Victtorino who put his head down when it mattered most and the 7-2 winner was a nose ahead on the line under Charlie Deutsch, giving him a fourth win at Ascot from five visits.

Williams said: “It was a strong pace on loose ground, but I didn’t think it was too testing. I thought we would get outsprinted, and that we were beaten. I didn’t know he had won and we were yelling our heads off.

“We will take it one race at a time, but with his good record round here, we just might keep coming back.”

Altobelli turned what looked a competitive Betfair Exchange Handicap Hurdle into a procession down the home straight.

Successful in a course and distance contest four weeks earlier, Harry Fry’s charge was sent off the 11-4 favourite for this event over two miles and three furlongs and cruised to the front under Bryan Carver between the final two flights.

Despite wandering around a touch once clear, Altobelli was still three and three-quarter lengths ahead at the line.

Fry said: “He loves it here and it’s a shame we don’t have a festival here in four weeks.

“He was 5lb higher, but looked even more impressive today. He’s relished the step up in trip. It will be exciting to see where he ends up and he’s three from three at this distance.

“He’ll be entered in the Coral Cup and we’ll take it from there. I’m looking forward to putting him over fences next season.”

Ben Jones conjured up a powerful late surge from Samuel Spade in the Best Odds On The Betfair Exchange Handicap Hurdle, with Ben Pauling’s charge making light of his 12st burden to prevail by four and three-quarter lengths at 14-1.

Pauling said: “That was a good ride. He’s a bit of an enigma because when he’s good, he’s good, but when he doesn’t want it, he just won’t go.

“Today, Ben pinched yards and picked up ground at most of the hurdles, he was very good.

“He’s the type of horse that could go to Punchestown, as he’s not good enough to win the Coral Cup.”