Racing: INDIAN Gunner, the ten-year-old gelding, trained at Cleeve Stables, Shrewton, by Dr Jeremy Naylor picked up his second win in three weeks when he triumphed at Wincanton on Thursday.
Despite carrying top weight, the horse, which won at the same track earlier in the month when priced 14-1, had no problem stepping up in distance to three miles and one furlong to land the £6,760 KJ Pike & Sons Handicap Chase.
However, this time around he started off at 3-1 favourite. Robert Thornton was again in the saddle.
The win was Dr Naylor's fourth of the season and maintains his excellent strike rate at Wincanton.
"We're on three out of three there at the moment," said Dr Naylor.
"Indian Gunner is in great form. He jumps so well and the step up in distance wasn't a problem.
"We were hoping for a good run from him, but we were in two minds whether or not to run him. We did actually think of withdrawing him from the race because of the ground."
However, the highly versatile horse showed he was equally capable on Thursday's good to firm ground as he was on soft earlier in the month.
"We're obviously delighted with him," added Dr Naylor, who admitted that Indian Gunner is ironically one of three national hunt horses at the stable currently for sale.
"A one-eighth share in the horse is available, but the price is going up very quickly at the moment," confirmed the doctor.
Three of the stable's flat horses, including Daphne's Doll, are also for sale. Ring 01980 620804 for more details.
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