Lightening Stricks looks a four-year-old with an exciting future following an impressive handicap debut in the Crowne Plaza Leading Jockey & Trainer Championship Handicap.
On a generally good evening for punters, the son of King's Best was the subject of a serious gamble - available at 8/1 this morning with William Hill and supported right down to 11/4 at the off.
Fran Berry 's mount, a wide-margin maiden winner on his previous start over the same mile last December, cruised to the front a furlong out.
He quickly stretched clear to beat the slightly unlucky-in-running Dahindar (5/2fav) by two and a half lengths, with Captain Ramius (7/1) another half length adrift in third.
Winning trainer Dick Brabazon said: “I'm delighted with that as I was hoping over the winter that he would show he's a good horse. He's shown that now, and we'll go for a big handicap at the Curragh on Guineas weekend. Fran said he might handle a stiff seven furlongs but a good mile seems to suit him.”
