racing_news/

Master Minded Masterful in Amlin 1965 Chase
19/11/11

1 Master Minded 2/1J
2 Somersby 2/1J
3 Medermit 100/30
6 ran Distances: 3l, 9l, 28l
TIME 4m 38.65s (slow by 2.65s)

Master Minded showed a real spring in his step as he returned to form with a second successive victory in the Amlin 1965 Chase at Ascot.

Somersby (D Elsworth, left) leads from winner Master Minded (D Jacob)
Racehorse Photos

Ridden for the first time by Daryl Jacob, the dual William Hill King George VI Chase at Kempton on Boxing Day.

He said: "The ground looked quick enough for him. I'm chuffed. A lot of people were quick to write him off after Aintree. I knew he would improve and I tried to explain to everybody he would.

"He has improved and he will still improve for Kempton, where we want him at his very best. He wouldn't win any King George if he was at his best the first day.

"He is slightly better right-handed. Daryl gave him a peach of a ride, which is as important as anything for him. We are back where we want to be."

Jacob added: "Paul, the owners and everyone at the yard have been very ive of me and have given me every opportunity. It's nice to repay them with a good winner like today.

"He travelled great and I thought they nearly went too slow for me all the way. They quickened up and I've got accelerating going down the hill - he jumped great and picked up well going to the second-last to go away and win the race.

"He definitely wants two and a half miles plus now. He's got a high cruising speed and will keep going and pick up off it as well."