'Aintree would be the place to be' - Fergal O'Brien has high hopes for mares' bumper winner Blue Betty
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Cheltenham Festival-winning owners The Megsons look to have another promising prospect on their books in the the shape of Blue Betty who came from last to first to win division two of the 2m½f mares' bumper.
Ridden cold by Kielan Woods, the 7-4 favourite looked the class act on the card when getting a lovely split halfway up the straight on the Tapeta track to score handsomely from Centurion's Sister.
Winning trainer Fergal O'Brien has previous form in the Listed mares' bumper at Aintree in April having won it with Dysart Enos in 2023, and this daughter of Blue Bresil looks a ready-made candidate for the Grand National meeting.
O'Brien said: "I'll have to speak to the owners, but the idea beforehand was if she ran well here then Aintree would be the place to be. It's only January but she may well have a break before then as she's been on the go for a while. She's a lovely mare who has always shown plenty at home and was very impressive there."
Star strikes
Brian Hughes was keen to renew his association with Amelia's Star in division one of the 2m½f mares' bumper and with good reason as she justified 11-10 favouritism in determined fashion.
The former champion jockey had partnered the five-year-old, who is trained by David Killahena and Graeme McPherson, on her debut at Wetherby in November and the duo used their previous experience to overcome newcomer Ce Mi Run.
Russell double
Jupiter Des Mottes kicked off a double for Lucinda Russell when just getting up under Patrick Wadge to land the 2m4½f novice hurdle.
The Borders-based trainer was back in the winner's enclosure just 65 minutes later when If Not For Dylan bossed the 2m7½f handicap chase from the front under Alan Doyle.
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