Flat the way to go as Paradias puts up 'lovely performance' to triumph in feature handicap

Alan King's answer was a resounding no when asked whether smart dual-purpose performer Paradias would return to hurdling after success in the feature 1m4f handicap.

This time last year the five-year-old was tried over obstacles to strong effect, winning at Lingfield before finishing a close third to the highly regarded Jeriko Du Reponet at Newbury, but for now the relative riches of the Flat game are too great to ignore.

"We're not going to give hurdles another go at the moment," King said. "There are two pretty valuable mile-and-a-half handicaps coming up, the first of which is in about a month's time, so we'll look at those."

Paradias showed his stamina by staying on powerfully to score by four lengths and his trainer is keen to explore the all-weather sphere now he has registered his first win on the surface.

"It was a lovely performance," he said. "I'm delighted with him and I don't know why he's not run on the all-weather until recently, but we tested the waters last time and that was strong form, so we thought we'd roll the dice again.

"He's not been overraced and he's learning to relax better. The step up in trip has helped him too."

Lovely Liz

Layla Liz took her record to two wins from three starts with a straightforward success in the 5f novice under Luke Morris for Archie Watson. She beat Be An Angel by four and three-quarter lengths, having beat the same rival by a neck at Leicester in October.

Read more:

'He's lovely but he's also quite good' - exciting discussion awaits as Thomas Mor makes winning reappearance after 650 days off 

Joel Parkinson enjoys biggest win of his career as O'Connell strikes in Lincolnshire National 

Looking for free bets? Racing Post have got the best offers, all in one place. Visit racingpost.com/freebets to find out more.