Curling's Freddie improves dramatically for 'the application of cash'

A proper old-school gamble, including a 2.20pm switch to a more high-profile rider, was landed when Call Me Freddie (11/4 fav) got home in an exciting finish to the Mallow Handicap Hurdle (80-95) (Div II).

Rachael Blackmore replaced Ian McCarthy on the Black Sam Bellamy gelding this afternoon and, having been put in at 40/1 when betting opened, by 11am his price was 11/2.

On the show he drifted back out a little from 2/1 to 11/4.

Blackmore produced her mount to head eventual third Stellar Stow (40/1) before the last but was immediately tackled by Wild Atlantic Lady (14/1). That one was on terms with every chance on the run-in but the favourite found enough to score by a neck.

Formerly with Jedd O’Keeffe for whom he was runner-up in a Carlisle bumper, Call Me Freddie had shown little in five previous starts over hurdles and had been out of action for over six months.

Winning owner/trainer Sam Curling said: “He had been very disappointing on softer ground and we actually sent him to the sales but he was sent back.

"He done a couple of good bits of work but I don't know where all the money came from.

"He ran in a maiden hurdle over three miles and you'd think he'd want soft ground but he obviously doesn't. He'll run away during the summer and he'll have no bother jumping a fence - he'd jump fences better even as he jumps Easyfix hurdles better.

"It is unfortunate for Ian (McCarthy) as he forgot to sign in (for yesterday’s health screening) and he'll get back on him the next day."

Quotes from Thomas Weekes