BEN PAULING BONANZA CONTINUES

Racing Post, Maddy Playle


Ben Pauling is firmly on track for his best-ever season and underlined the strength of his young stock when Champagne Twist and Pic Roc fought out the finish to the EBF Final. 


The trainer landed the Grade 2 Premier Novices' Hurdle with Personal Ambition last weekend and it was soon clear he was set to dominate this competitive handicap too, as his two runners traded blows at the head of affairs with Diplomatic Ash.
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The stablemates' duel lasted for the length of the soggy home straight, but it was Champagne Twist and Ben Jones who eventually ground out a brave success over Pic Roc and Kielan Woods by a length and a half.
"It was a brilliant result," Pauling said. "I couldn't really split them. Kielan wanted to ride one and Ben wanted to ride the other, so it worked quite well. These owners are a group of my great mates. 
"Pic Roc ran a mighty race in second. He probably got a bit lonely out in front after doing plenty and got nabbed on the line, but they've both run really well."
Ben Jones and Ben Pauling in the parade ring before Champagne Twist's win in the EBF FinalCredit: Edward WhitakerJones has been a key part of Pauling's excellent season with regular number-one rider Woods serving a lengthy suspension, and the jockey believes there will be even more to come from Champagne Twist in fairer conditions. 
"Coming down to the last there wasn't much between them," he said. "Pic Roc will end up being a lovely horse but Champagne was a bit more streetwise and that's the reason I picked him today. On nicer ground, I think you'll see a better horse. It's been my best season and I've had a few big winners on the board."
Pauling will be represented in each of the premier novice races at the Cheltenham Festival next week, with Harry Cobden confirmed to continue his association with Gallagher Novices' Hurdle contender Handstands.