Betfred Classic Chase winner One For Arthur gives trainer Lucinda Russell her first winner at Warwick racecourse
While Rigadin De Beauchene cut out most of the pace, Derek Fox rode a patient race as he crept into contention with One For Arthur before forging clear up the run-in
SCOTTISH raider One For Arthur claimed top honours in the Betfred Classic Chase at Warwick.
Lucinda Russell's charge impressed on his seasonal reappearance at Kelso in October before finishing a close-up fifth in the Becher Chase over Aintree's Grand National fences.
Switched back to regulation obstacles for this three-mile-five-furlong slog, One For Arthur was given a very patient ride by Derek Fox, while 2013 winner Rigadin De Beauchene set the pace.
One For Arthur was still nearer last than first racing down the back straight, but began to take closer order after jumping the fourth fence from the finish as the pacesetter began to falter.
Goodtoknow moved to the front rounding the home turn, but 14-1 shot One For Arthur covered the move and hit the front at the second-last.
He began to assert on the run to the final obstacle and a huge leap sealed a six-length success.
Goodtoknow was second ahead of 2014 winner and 7-1 favourite Shotgun Paddy in third.
William Hill cut the winner to 33-1 from 50-1 for the Grand National at Aintree, with Stan James going 33s from 40-1 and Paddy Power offering a first show of 40-1.
Fox said: "The plan was to be a bit handier, but in those big fields he's a bit slow away from the start.
"He jumps so well and he's jumped his way into it. We decided to put the tongue-tie on him and I think it's made a big difference.
"I think the Grand National is made for him."
Russell, having her first winner at Warwick, said: "He's some horse, he really is. I'm so delighted and he jumped super.
"I'm delighted for Derek. He's such a great help in the yard and such a great horseman, he deserves all the credit.
"He was unfortunate in the Becher Chase. He got shuffled back that day, ended up out the back and stayed on for fifth place.
"When he got hampered at the second fence (when Kaki De La Pree fell), I thought the same was going to happen again, but Derek took his time and let him get back in the race.
"If he goes up in the handicap, he might go for the Grand National. If not, he's definitely a National horse next year.
"He's got to be an Aintree horse."
Runner-up Goodtoknow was one of three in the race for trainer Kerry Lee along with Mountainous (seventh) and last year's winner Russe Blanc (ninth).
"I'm absolutely delighted (with Goodtoknow) and he proved he gets the trip," said Lee.
"We really have the Grand National in our sights for him, but we need to improve to get up the handicap for that.
"He was jumping a little to the right so I might take him to Sandown.
"The old Whitbread (bet365 Gold Cup) at the end of the season might be right up his street."
