Ballyspellan springs a surprise at Nottingham
Ballyspellan defied a big price to strike for Colin Handford at Nottingham on Monday night.
Handford's Ballyspellan strikes at Nottingham
There were two opens at Nottingham on Monday evening and Ballyspellan produced a shock in the first of them.
Colin Handford’s dog was sent off at 8/1 for the ARC Maiden Standard Trophy and he was first to show down the centre, but he allowed Grangeview Mas to take it up when running off at the first bend.
As the leader was challenged by 5/4 favourite Honour Mission on the run-in, Ballyspellan powered home down the outside to get up in the dying strides of the 500m contest.
The winner prevailed by a head from Grangeview Mas in 30.24 (+40), with Honour Mission a further half a length back in third.
Mossrich Karen gave favourite-backers something to cheer about when landing the ARC Sprint Trophy later on the card at Colwick Park.
The Esther Driver-trained bitch broke well in the blue jacket and showed enough early speed to lead into the corner from Newinn Bachelor.
The latter served it up to the 10/11 favourite on the home straight, but Mossrich Karen was always doing enough and crossed the line three-quarters of a length in front to score in a pleasing 17.65 (+30).
