Bitofapuzzle winning the new Listed bumper at  Huntingdon

  PICTURE: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)  

Report: Huntingdon, Thursday

Huntingdon Racecourse/HBLB Mares’ Standard Open National Hunt Flat Race (Listed) 2m½f, 4, 5 6yo fillies mares

BITOFAPUZZLE posted her second win from as many starts under rules as she made all the running for a comfortable success in the inaugural running of this Listed race.

Noel Fehily sent the Harry Fry-trained six-year-old to the head of affairs from the off and she bossed it from the front, setting a steady pace before galloping on down the straight to notch a four-length win over 9-4 favourite Tara Mist. There was a further 11-length gap back to Delta Forty, the third horse home.

Bitofapuzzle, sent off a 5-2 chance, was repeating the tactics deployed successfully on her bumper debut at Bangor in late November and, rather like on that occasion, none of her seven rivals ever got in a position where they were able to lay down a serious challenge.

Fry said: “We were sure she’d handle conditions and stay further so it made sense to keep things simple.

“It’s only her third run and she’s still green – there’s still a lot to learn. We’ll save hurdles for next season and look at the Sandown bumper at the beginning of March next.”

Fehily added: “She’s done it nicely. She’s very straightforward and hopefully will go on improving. She’ll make a lovely jumper but there’s no need to rush with her.”

Rouquine Sauvage looked to be particulary unsuited by the sedate pace early on and, although she made some headway through the field, she was never able to get on terms with the principals in the closing stages.

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