Drifter digs deep

Two wintry meetings delivered standout performances, emotional first wins and classy prospects emerging for the season ahead

- By STEPHANIE BATEMAN

OCEAN DRIFTER extended his impressive run to four consecutive victories with a polished display in the mixed open, the 10-year-old Aizavoski gelding continuing a remarkable resurgence for Tom Britten.

“He's been a bit fragile,” Tom said, noting the gelding's career path via Cameron Johnstone-Baker and Oliver Sherwood. “We had him last season and this season and he's just been a brilliant horse. He has a lot of ability.”

But brilliance often comes hand in hand with quirks.

“He's a bit of a nightmare, to be honest,” Tom laughed. “He's so keen he jig-jogs the whole way home. If he was useless, he'd drive you mad, but he's a winner so we don't mind.”

Ridden positively by Clara Brewitt, the gelding showed his trademark verve.

“She gets on really well with him,” Tom said. “He's keen, but as soon as something comes to his girth, he goes again. His jumping is unbelievable.”

Past injuries including “a tendon as a young horse and he also did a pelvis” mean Tom plays it safe, while keeping him in a strict routine.

“He likes doing the same thing every day,” added Tom. “I try to give him variety and take him for a hack, and he's an absolute nightmare!”

Further opens are next on the agenda for the gelding. Gina Andrews unveiled a smart prospect in Entity Of Substanz, who cruised home in the 5yo&up maiden on his first start for the yard.

A PRIME PROSPECT