Foundry Lane put up an impressive display to land summer jumping's richest race at Market Rasen today.
Mary Reveley's versatile gelding, who won on the Flat at Haydock Park 15 days ago, was never out of the first two in the #50,000-added Tote Summer Special Chase as he shared the pacemaking under Tony Ross with Hoh Invader.
Foundry Lane took over going down the far side for the last time where he quickened the pace and soon had most of the field in trouble.
Firstly Native Recruit and then Wisley Wonder emerged as challengers but the well-backed 5-2 favourite had seen off all-comers approaching the last fence and, after another good jump, drew readily clear to capture the #34,222 first prize by 13 lengths from Gladiateur IV (12-1) with two lengths back to Manhattan Castle (20-1).
"I thought if he jumped he had a good chance and he did jump well," Mrs Reveley told Channel 4 Racing. "But I was very surprised he won as easily as that.
"He likes the fast ground and obviously with his Flat pedigree he has quite a bit of speed so he laid up with them."
The Saltburn trainer has had this race in mind for Foundry Lane for some time and she added: "We decided to plan for this about a month ago provided the ground was safe and I must say Market Rasen have done a very good job."
Foundry Lane has now won his last three chases and appears to be still on the upgrade at the age of nine.
"His jumping has been the problem but now he's getting more confident and I thought Anthony rode him very well," Mrs Reveley explained.
Foundry Lane could now revert to the level as Mrs Reveley remarked: "After 13 lengths we'll have to go back on the Flat!"
The afternoon's other valuable contest, the Tote Scoop6 Anniversary Handicap with #25,000 in added money, went to Irish raider Aerleon Pete carrying the Istabraq colours of legendary gambler JP McManus.
Christy Roche's 5-2 favourite was always travelling strongly for Charlie Swan, who was making his first visit to the Lincolnshire track, and came home clear of his toiling rivals after taking control approaching the last.
