Paul Mulrennan and the switch to the all-weather for the first time proved the key to Vintage Clarets who scooted clear to win the valuable JenningsBet In Pontefract Gosforth Park Cup Handicap at Newcastle.
Third in the Coventry Stakes in 2021 to Berkshire Shadow, the Richard Fahey-trained four-year-old had got back to winning ways last time out at Chester.
He was clearly back on good terms with himself and Mulrennan was happy to get a tow into the race from Bedford Flyer.
When that one drifted off the rail, Mulrennan set his sights on leader Fine Wine and in a matter of strides he was two lengths clear.
The 12-1 chance beat the fast-finishing Korker – as his his wont- by a length and a quarter with Fine Wine hanging on for third.
Mulrennan told Sky Sports Racing: “He’s done that well, I think the bit of rain we had might have just helped him.
“He’s a smart horse, he’s still quite babyish actually but he’s improved with every run this year and team Fahey were very keen on him this morning when I spoke to them.
“It’s always good here when there’s a good gallop to aim at, I was able to get some cover and he did the rest.
“There’ll be a lot more to come from him, he’s a big, scopey horse.”
