A glorious day at Fakenham where despite feisty dogs on leads probably outnumbering runners on the card, the punters looked like they were enjoying the end of week sunshine.
Storm Arcadio had been ultra consistent in his racing over the last 12 months so his disappointing run at Fontwell in September came as some surprise. Getting off the horse that day, jockey Harry Bannister reflected that he just wasn't his usual self so we headed to Fakenham to see if we could put that run behind him, Sam Twiston-Davies taking the ride with Harry riding at Uttoxeter.
Prominent throughout the first two laps of the tight left handed track the 5 year old jumped his obstacles well and travelled into contention without hitting his customary flat spot.
With the 8/13 favourite ITALIAN SPIRIT moving stylishly into the lead we were happy with the way our boy chased home the 115-rated LOVED OUT, seeing out his trip finishing a well clear 3rd.
Jumped right on occasions, pressed leader, ridden and every chance 2 out, soon outpaced, well held approaching last (op 8/1 tchd 10/1)
I think we were all pleased to put the previous run to bed and there's every chance this represents another step up, we are absolutely certain there is a race to win soon with this lad and a switch back to handicap company could come next.