No Stopping Nolton
Sat 06 Jan 2024
WINNER 3 OF 2024: NOLTON CROSS, trained by Hugo Palmer and ridden by Jason Hart: The feature Class 3 'BetUK. Home Of The Acca-Fenwa Handicap' over 1m 4f at Southwell.
The worst of draws, in 11 and the hot favourite in stall 1, wasn't a help and Jason had no choice but to get him across as best he could. Settled in rear, off the rail, he travelled well, coming to the final bend, with plenty to do. As they came into the straight, he started to make good headway 2f out and got into a challenging position. Taking the lead inside the final furlong, he was hard pressed by Haku in a repeat of their last meeting, but he kept on well and just did enough, in a cracking finish, to win by a short head.
A fine record at the track - with 2 wins and 2 2nd places, from 4 starts and doesn't he love a January race too, as he is 3 from 3 in the month!
Watch the full race replay here: https://www.attheraces.com/racecard/Southwell/05-January-2024/1312
Jason said in his Sky Sports Racing interview: "He's done well and they went a nice even gallop. I thought I won on the line and it's nice for him to get his head back in front."
Timeform rated it as a career best t101 performance, commenting: "Found himself in another really tight finish with Haku and this time came out on top on 1 lb better terms than at Wolverhampton; waited with, rapid headway over 2f out, challenged entering final 1f, edged ahead near line; he can't go up much more for this and will remain competitive."
Syndicate manager Tom says: "Congratulations to his owners on his 5th win and it was nice to turn the tables with Haku! Great to see him overcome that draw and Jason made the right decisions according to the pace. He was good, tough and honest there and improves his stats at Southwell once more. Well done to Hugo and his Manor House Stables team for their double on the card too."