Standing Ovation can raise the roof in Badger Ales Trophy

Standing Ovation is unbeaten in three runs at Wincanton and can keep that record intact by landing the Badgers Ales Trophy there today (2.40) for the second year running.

The David Pipe trained gelding was in terrific form when rattling-up a four-timer in the second half of 2013, with three of those victories coming at this venue.

The last of those successes came in this contest, where Standing Ovation made a mockery of his mark of 120 to run his rivals ragged and win easing down by five lengths with any amount in hand.

Although now 11lb higher in the weights, the seven-year-old showed he could be competitive of his current mark of 131 when a fine sixth of 23 to Holywell at the Chehltenham Festival.

The seven-year-old also looked as good as ever when runner-up to Roalco Des Farges on seasonal reappearance at Cheltenham last month in a decent 13-runner contest.

Standing Ovation travelled strongly and jumped well throughout at the head off affairs and held every chance approaching the last before being unable to find any extra on the run-in to be beaten 4 1/2 lengths.
It was a cracking effort, and should have put Standing Ovation spot on for this assignment.

With the stable going well, and the in-form Tom Scudamore in the saddle, the son of Presenting looks the one they all have to beat.

Of the opposition, Court By Surprise could give the selection most to think about.

The Emma Lavelle trained gelding stayed on well to finish an 8 1/4 lengths third to Standing Ovation in this 12 months ago after getting outpaced three from home.

The nine-year-old is now 4lb better of at the eights, and although that doesn’t look nearly enough to turn around the placings there was lots to like about Court By Surprise’s recent comeback victory at Exeter.

The son of Beneficial kept on strongly to beat According To Trev by four lengths, and could well have more to offer this season judged by the manner of that success.