Montemares, fourth behind No Drama This End in the Challow at Newbury last time, was a smooth winner of the bet365 Premier Novices' Hurdle at Kelso.
Stan Sheppard was sitting pretty aboard the 6/1 chance as he went to the front going to the last and a safe leap there sealed victory.
Tom Lacey’s charge came home six-and-a-half lengths clear of Kosac D’oudairies.
The winning rider told ITV Racing: “I couldn’t go the gallop at all early so I just sat on him as long as I could and when the race fell apart around him I was travelling well enough to go where I wanted.
“He’s done it well. He’s only five and probably got slightly outstayed at Newbury the last day by older horses but if I could ask them to design a race for him it would be two miles two. It suits him very well. I think he’s well above average.”
Free video replay - Watch Montemares win at Kelso
More from Sporting Life
Safer gambling
We are committed in our support of safer gambling. Recommended bets are advised to over-18s and we strongly encourage readers to wager only what they can afford to lose.
If you are concerned about your gambling, please call the National Gambling Helpline / GamCare on 0808 8020 133.
Further support and information can be found at begambleaware.org and gamblingtherapy.org.
