Fergal O'Brien has personal-best tally in sight as Karl Philippe triumphs

Thursday: Ludlow

Another record-breaking season is firmly in the sights of Fergal O’Brien after Karl Philippe justified favouritism in the 2m4f handicap chase.

The 13-8 chance was providing the trainer with his 98th success of the campaign, leaving him requiring seven more winners to surpass the personal best he achieved last season.

Karl Philippe, part-owned by former football manager Harry Redknapp, took control in the closing stages to defeat Gardefort after both horses had survived mistakes at the fourth last.

"He was a little disappointing at Ascot last time but Paddy [Brennan] said he appreciated the track today and we might bring him back to Ludlow in a few weeks’ time," said O’Brien.

"When we started the season our aim was to try to beat last season’s 104 and I’d settle for 105 winners now. Although I hope it comes sooner rather than later.

"Our focus has not been on Cheltenham this time round as we don’t have the right type of horses though we will still have a few runners to go there, including Peking Rose who is a possibility for the Supreme."

Worsley proves worth

Tabitha Worsley is a useful jockey to have on your side on awkward customers and she demonstrated her skills aboard Steel River.

The 12-year-old needs plenty of coaxing and Worsley showed admirable cool to pop his head in front close home to deny Ivilnoble by a neck in the 3m conditional handicap chase.

Lawes draws level

Zacony Rebel has been earmarked by his trainer Toby Lawes for the final of the novice championship hurdle series at Sandown on April 23 after smoothly justifying odds of 1-3 under Tom Cannon in the qualifying race.

The seven-year-old's second win from his last three starts meant that Lawes equalled his tally of nine winners from last season.

Replays, results and analysis

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