Thistle Ask answers the big question

DAN Skelton’s bold decision to run Thistle Ask in the BetMGM Haldon Gold Cup Handicap Chase was well rewarded as he claimed a memorable victory at Exeter.

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The eight-year-old was rolling the dice in the Grade Two from 9lb out of the handicap, though there was no shortage of support for him in the market as he started at 3-1 in his bid to win a third race in 13 days.

Paul Nicholls’ well-regarded Kalif Du Berlais was the 13-8 favourite, but it was Thistle Ask who took up the running and under a bold Harry Skelton gained an ever-increasing advantage to canter home seven lengths ahead of the locally-trained Saint Segal, with JPR One third and the market leader back in fourth.