MIMRAM started it and Eljaddaaf finished it, a sparkling 56/1 stable double at Lingfield yesterday with both horses ridden by the yard’s main rider, Robert Winston.
The first leg of the double was 6/1 shot, 3yo filly Mimram, who was having just her sixth career start. One of seven runners, all maidens, she was stepping up to a mile for the first time. Last time out, she had made the running in a 7f handicap at Chelmsford and was mown down near the line but this time the daughter of Kheleyf had a lead but took it up over a furlong out. In a thrilling three-way finish, she held on by a nose from Ods On Oli and a neck from the third, favourite, Solid Man.
Having won by the minimum distance, the handicapper can hardly be too hard upon Mimram, who is owned by Lesley Ivory (but congratulations to young William Ivory, who really owns him!)
Eljaddaaf (pictured with lass, Jemmer Fowler) had a few more runners to contend with as 14 went to post for a decent 0-90 7f handicap. Having come from almost last to first last time out, similar tactics were adopted as Robert Winston dropped the seven-times winning 7yo son of Shamardal out the back. Similar to his last win, the 8/1 shot came with a rare rattle inside the final furlong, showing a great turn of foot to get up in the dying strides to deny Mickey by a neck.
This was another impressive performance from Eljaddaaf as he was drawn widest of all and was running off a career high mark of 92. Robert Winston rode him with the utmost confidence to make it win number eight from 26 starts for this talented and seemingly improving gelding.
Well done to winning connnections, Wentdale Ltd and Lesley Ivory as the yard continues in great form, this being the ninth winner of 2018.