Albany trainer Steve Wolfe finally had reason to smile at Ascot today, following a bold “all the way” victory for his 5yo Redoubtable gelding Dare To Doubt in the Kevin Guhl HCP 1400m.
Unwanted in the betting, jockey Shaun McGruddy elected to take up the running with Dare To Doubt ($6.00 – $10.00) upon barrier rise, while race fancy Young Lionel ($2.80 fav) found cover one out / one back. I’m Called Earl ($14.00) sat outside the leader, while Stompin ($41.00) claimed the box seat.
Making the final turn, Dare To Doubt extended its lead in the straight, finding itself a couple of lengths clear inside the final furlong. Young Lionel surged home well, finishing better than any as the remainder of the field went south, but was unable to pick up the leader, having to settle for second – a half-length the final margin.
I’m Called Earl clung onto third a further two lengths away, while Kim Ability ($17.00) finished off well from seventh on the turn to run into fourth.
Karma had finally prevailed for Wolfe, who had only just finished commiserating the narrow defeat of his stable star Kalahaar earlier in the program.
Chris Blackwell