Ben Case keeps red-hot run going as Nickelforce makes it two from two over fences under trainer's son Charlie

Ben Case’s superb run of form continued when Nickelforce maintained his perfect start over fences in the 2m4f handicap chase for amateur riders.

The five-year-old defied a 6lb rise under Case’s son Charlie to follow up last month’s successful chasing debut at Stratford.

The son of Workforce had been due to run at Fakenham last Friday before that meeting was called off due to safety concerns. However, part-owner Linda Lovell was at Ludlow to see her red and black silks belatedly carried to victory.

“He’s such a good jumper,” she said. “With amateur races it’s tricky but Charlie knew the horse, so that was an added bonus. He’s something to look forward to.”

Case has now enjoyed three winners from his last four runners and will next be represented by Bashers Reflection, who makes his chasing debut at Cheltenham on Saturday.

Lovell’s day got better when La Marquise, the Jamie Snowden-trained filly she owns part of, made a successful hurdling debut in the following race.

La Marquise (right): displayed an excellent attitude to beat Kalium (6)Credit: Edward Whitaker (racingpost.com/photos)

The four-year-old was last seen finishing third in Grade 2 company at the Grand National meeting and did well to land the 2m novice hurdle under Gavin Sheehan, having been hampered at the third-last before an awkward leap at the last.

“She nearly got knocked over, which was not helpful, but she was jolly brave,” said Lovell, whose High Game Royal was also second at Exeter on Tuesday.

“You just don’t know what’s going to happen, ever,” she added. “We did Fakenham and back, four and half hours, for it to be abandoned. To have two winners on one day is extraordinary but thrilling.”

Landmark winner

Sam Twiston-Davies rode his 1,500th winner in Britain when helping Dameofthecotswolds justify 9-4 favouritism in the 2m5f mares’ novice hurdle for his father Nigel.

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