David Egan rode Thunder Run© Photo Healy Racing
Thunder Run led from pillar to post in the £150,000 Clipper Handicap at York.
Owned by the race sponsor, Steve Parkin, the Karl Burke-trained three-year-old was second on his Wetherby debut before claiming back-to-back wins in July at Thirsk and Hamilton respectively.
He could finish only third as an odds-on favourite for his handicap debut in the Summer Cup back at Thirsk earlier this month, but rewarded those who kept the faith with an improved performance on the Knavesmire, seeing off all comers at 6-1 under David Egan, scoring by half a length from Mirsky.
Burke, who also saddled the third-placed Holloway Boy, said: “I’m just glad to get a winner, what we’ve run so far have been running reasonably well but it’s nice to get one, especially for Steve in the race he sponsors.
“I think this is a very good horse in the making, he’s still very raw. It wasn’t the plan to go out and make it, but David said he jumped well and didn’t feel he was going quick enough so wanted to go on.
“He did say if something had taken him on it probably would have cost him the race as he was on fresh air in the last 100 yards. At the moment a mile is far enough for him.
“Holloway Bay has run his usual game race, too, but he’s carrying plenty of weight at the moment.
“The Balmoral (on Champions Day) will be the right type of race for them both.”
Angel Hunter did just enough to hold off a fast-finishing Age Of Gold in a gallant display to land the sensory-junction.co.uk Autism Awareness EBF Stallions Nursery Handicap.
The Richard Hannon-trained colt had not finished higher than third in any of his three career starts, but never relinquished his advantage once getting his nose in front for Ryan Moore.
The son of Acclamation, who went off at 8-1, had to overcome a deficit at halfway in the seven-furlong race, but he ebbed away at Qaseem’s early lead to draw level just as they passed the final furlong marker.
He powered ahead in the closing stages for what looked to be a comfortable victory, only for Age Of Gold to provide a late scare as Angel Hunter held on by a neck with Qaseem a further length behind in third.
Hannon said: “I wanted to run him in the sales race, but it would have been a bit sharp.
“It’s actually very fitting as he’s owned by the same people as Witch Hunter who I thought had won the Hungerford on Saturday.
“He’s disappointed me a couple of times this season, but he’s a typical Camacho. He’s got a few nice entries, the sales race at Doncaster, but he’s a horse for next year really.
“Ryan did well to win from stall 17, I just wish I could get him more often, I used to get him all the time but he’s made it!”
