DANTON SECURES FIRST SUCCESS AT EXETER

Danton gained a pleasing first success at Exeter on Sunday 26 November under top weight in the closing two miles, five and a half furlong handicap hurdle run in deepening mist as twilight began to fall.

Spotting his colours was just about impossible until he emerged from the gloom in the lead after the second last flight.

He was never going to be headed from that point though his advantage was being reduced in the closing stages as he held on by a neck from Call Me Arthur. Our horses have been in top form over the past week after a frustrating spell when a number of them were finishing second.

The step up in trip from two miles certainly helped Danton who is a nice prospect and had gone very close at the same track sixteen days earlier when his jumping was less than fluent at the last two flights.

He was giving almost a stone to Asian Spice, the winner that day, who franked the form earlier in the afternoon. Johnny Burke’s decision to make more use of Danton this time paid off and we will now look for another race for him over Christmas and the New Year.

Photo credit: Francesca Aloft