Blackjack Magic too good in Badger Beer Chase

PA Sport Reporters
November 11, 2023 3:19 pm

Rex Dingle’s mount outstays Threeunderthrufive in Wincanton contest.

Blackjack Magic showed plenty of heart to repel Threeunderthrufive and claim the 62nd Badger Beer Handicap Chase at Wincanton.

One of four in the field for Dorset handler Anthony Honeyball, the eight-year-old was sent off a 5-1 chance in the hands of Rex Dingle and was in the ideal spot during the early exchanges, keeping close tabs on The Big Breakaway, who usurped defending champion Frodon at the head of proceedings.

With a circuit to run, Dingle moved his mount forward to join The Big Breakaway on the front-end and turning for home with just the fences in the straight to jump, there was only Paul Nicholls’ 3-1 favourite Threeunderthrufive going just as well.

Well backed and wins! 👊
Unexposed chaser Blackjack Magic jumped and travelled superbly before seeing off a strong challenge from Threeunderthrufive to land the 62nd @BadgerBeers Handicap Chase.
A well-hatched plan from @AJHoneyball 👏@Rex_Dingle | @wincantonraces pic.twitter.com/giCpkz337w

— Racing TV (@RacingTV) November 11, 2023

The duo matched strides down to the second last and the last, but it was Honeyball’s charge who cleared the final jumping test with more precision and pulled out extra with the winning line approaching to secure a three-length success.

Bryony Frost and Frodon, last year’s race winners, came home 14 lengths adrift of the front two in third.