Big-Race Ambitions Still Alive After Dream Result

Rags-to-riches horse Dream Alliance bounced back to form in no uncertain terms to destroy his rivals in the £40,000 stanjamesuk.com Perth Festival Handicap Chase at the Scottish venue.

The six-year-old was one of the less-exposed types in a red-hot 15-runner renewal, but had failed to get his head in front since winning on his debut over the larger obstacles back in November.

However, the 12-1 chance moved powerfully throughout and went clear from his field having gained the advantage after the fourth-last fence.

Lothian Falcon was sent off the 9-2 favourite and stuck on well to claim second but was readily held by eight lengths, while Iron Man (8-1) finished a further 11 lengths away in third.

Hobbs was delighted to see Dream Alliance lift the richest ever race run at the Tayside course, and hopes it is the first red-letter day of many to come.

While it remains to be seen if he can emulate the fairytale story of Welsh-trained 100-1 Gold Cup winner Norton's Coin, striking parallels are there for all to see.

Owned by a 23-strong partnership, Dream Alliance was bred by the owner of a working men's club from Bien Bien ? a stallion with just a £1,000 covering fee ? and discovered on an allotment on a coal tip.

After congratulating a delighted Janet Vokes, who bred the winner, Hobbs said: 'We've always thought a lot of him and some of the owners have backed him at huge odds to win a Gold Cup and a Grand National.

'I think the soft ground made a big difference today and that was confirmed by Tom (O'Brien, jockey) when he came back in.'

(C) PA Sport