Moroder flashes home in tight Grimthorpe finish

18-1 shot springs Doncaster surprise.

Moroder showed plenty of tenacity to cause an 18-1 shock in the Virgin Bet Grimthorpe Handicap Chase at Doncaster.

The Seamus Mullins-trained nine-year-old strung a four-race winning run together last season but had failed to figure in two outings so far this term.

It was the Nigel Twiston-Davies-trained Undersupervision who looked the most likely victor when jockey Sam Twiston-Davies kicked for home as the runners came round the final bend.

However, as the action unfolded up the straight – and the stamina reserves of the challengers started to run empty – the eye was drawn to the white noseband of Moroder who was keeping on in the hands of James Best.

Having joined Undersupervision approaching two out, Moroder knuckled down gamely on the run in to outstay the 3-1 runner-up, with only a neck separating the pair at the finish of the GBP 70,000 event.

As well as being a big Saturday winner for his trainer, it was also a welcome success on the big stage for Best, who was not lacking for strength in the saddle when the race was in the balance in the closing stages.

This Town Moor contest often serves as a Grand National trial, but not amongst the entrants for Aintree, the winner holds a Midlands National entry and Betfair and Paddy Power both go 20-1 from 50s for that Uttoxeter event on March 18.

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