Junior 2nd in Grimthorpe Ikorodu Road came out on top in a dramatic race for the Download William Hill From The App-Store Grimthorpe Chase at Doncaster. Matt Sheppard's charge looked to be playing for minor honours as Pentiffic threatened to run and jump his rivals ragged from the front. He was 15 lengths clear three out but began to tire and was only two in front of the eventual winner and Junior at the final fence. Venetia Williams' charge got too close to that obstacle and fell, impeding the latter. This left Ikorodu Road in front but under a determined Tom Scudamore drive Junior closed him down with every stride but went down by a short-head. Tom Scudamore lodged an objection to the winner, but the placings remained unaltered. Sheppard said: "He's been really unlucky. His whole profile hasn't been good over the years. "He's run some big races then got handicapped out of it. He's not that simple to train and he needs a small yard like ours. "When he goes over four miles you'll see a lot better horse. If he goes up 10lb he'll go for the Scottish National." Winning rider Charlie Poste added: "He's got plenty of solid place form and he's just a resolute galloper. "His coat has blossomed and he's got quite an engine there. As soon as he gets to the front he starts to pull up. "He's a horse that has always threatened to win a big race. We'd have got to the leader. He was treading water." Sky Bet left the runner-up unchanged at 12-1 for the Aintree showpiece. Tim Palin, racing manager for Junior's owners Middleham Park, said: "It was a great run. We've just been beaten by a horse with a lower weight than us. "He was very adept when the leader fell at the last. It was a very good trial for Aintree and he won't run again before the National."
