Resplendent Grey downs Handstands to land Colin Parker

Resplendent Grey confirmed himself a major contender for the Coral Gold Cup with a determined comeback victory in the Colin Parker Memorial Intermediate Chase at Carlisle.

Winner of the bet365 Gold Cup on the final day of last season at Sandown, Olly Murphy’s grey was a 9-2 shot for his reappearance over what appeared an inadequate trip of two and a half miles in Cumbria.

Ben Pauling’s 4-5 favourite Handstands set out to make all the running but was hesitant at his early obstacles and while he eventually warmed to his task, Resplendent Grey travelled well in his slipstream and was produced with his challenge after the final fence by champion jockey Sean Bowen.

To his credit Handstands did find more once challenged, but Resplendent Grey got on top close home under the power-packed Bowen drive, with three-quarters of a length the winning margin.

Murphy did not make the long trip north, but said from home: “I thought it was a good performance as we left the headgear off, he was running over an inadequate trip and they didn’t go very quick.

“The favourite looked like he didn’t really enjoy being in front, he wasn’t at his best first time out last year and he probably wasn’t today, but my lad is a very, very good horse.”

The sponsors make Resplendent Grey their 7-1 joint-favourite for the Coral Gold Cup (from 10-1) alongside Myretown, and Murphy confirmed an appearance at Newbury on November 29 is on the agenda.

“We’ll see how he comes out of it, but he’ll probably go straight to Newbury,” he added.

“His work has improved massively, he’s definitely sharpened up, but to be honest I’m a bit surprised I hadn’t really trained him for today and he will improve tonnes.

“Whether we put the headgear back on we’ll see. I’ll speak to Sean and see what he thinks, but he looked to travel a better than he ever has today.”