David O’Meara’s tough performer Custom Cut stepped up to a new level when winning his fifth race in a row in the Shadwell Joel Stakes.
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Custom Cut earns a pat down the neck from Danny Tudhope after another victory.
The 15/2 chance was coming into the contest facing his stiffest task yet after winnning Listed events at Windsor and Pontefract and Group Threes at Leopardstown and York on his previous four starts.
But he has thrived since moving from Ireland to join North Yorkshire handler O’Meara, who can do little wrong at present having taken both the Sprint Cup at Haydock and Ayr Gold Cup in recent weeks.
Danny Tudhope dictated matters from the front and although runner-up Captain Cat looked a threat briefly, he was done no favours when colliding with Cable Bay a furlong out as the pair rolled about on the undulations, and Custom Cut simply pulled away again at the finish to score by two and a half lengths, with Hors De Combat making late gains for third.
“I think this track suited, he got into a nice relaxed rhythm,” said Tudhope. “Two and half out they were coming, but he saved a bit and he wasn’t going to lie down
“He’s improved all year, David’s done a great job and it’s fantastic for the team. He’s versatile groundwise – Leopardstown was soft, and I held him up that day, too Possibly there’s a Group One in him.”
Joint-owner Gary Douglas said: “He’s just improved and improved all year and after winning a Listed and a Group Three the idea was to come here and see how good he is.
“He’s got a few options now, we need to sit down and discuss them all and if David believes he’s up to winning a Group One somewhere then that is what we’ll do.
“He beat Trade Storm at York and he’s won a Group One since.”
Harry Charlton, trainer Roger Charlton’s son, said of Captain Cat: “He hung here in a maiden and it’s disappointing that he’s done it again.
“The idea was to come back here for the Challenge Stakes, but I think we might have to reconsider that now. His main aim is Dubai.”