Racing Post | Maddie Playle

Ben Pauling is regularly left frustrated with Your Darling, but the enigmatic chaser enjoyed another good day when outbattling his rivals to land the £40,000 Clarke Chase.


The nine-year-old, who tends to either win or run disappointingly, travelled with zest and picked up generously under Ben Jones to engage and pass 5-2 favourite Mylesfromwicklow before galloping to a comfortable three-length victory.


"That's two wins out of his last three starts, so I think it's a record for him," said Pauling. "We're chuffed to pieces because I thought the ground was against him, but he looked to enjoy it. He travelled and jumped well and had to battle at the end. 
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"It's all about his headspace – there's nothing ever wrong with him. I knew halfway round he was going to run well today. You enjoy every day as they come and hopefully he can go back to Ascot in November."
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On the remainder of the summer jumps period, the trainer added: "Hopefully we'll be able to nick a bit of prize-money. On the whole last term was our best season, and we're looking forward to the autumn."

Groovy Blue (Blue Bresil) put on an impressive display to take the bumper at Fontwell under a lovely ride from Ben Jones.