Punters had Jack Tudor to thank as Kitty's Light landed a big gamble in the Vertem Eider Handicap Chase at Newcastle.
The jockey clung on when the 7-4 favourite made mistakes in Saturday's marathon contest – and then survived the late drama of a slipping saddle.
It shifted back, putting Tudor in an awkward position, while strong stayer Kitty's Light began to pick off his rivals in the home straight. Still with plenty to find on The Galloping Bear (10-1) heading to the final fence, a better jump from the market leader sealed the deal.
Two-and-a-half lengths ahead at the line, the Christian Williams trainee followed up Win My Wings' 2022 success for the stable.
"He deserves a big win because he seems to always be runner-up and very unlucky," Tudor said when Kitty's Light returned. "Thankfully, it's all come together today."
Aintree's Grand National is "the dream" for last gasp Coral Trophy hero Our Power.
Only 63rd in list for April's 40-runner highlight, connections will wait and see whether the neck scorer makes the final line-up. Sam Twiston-Davies notched a hat-trick in Kempton's big race when his mount, sent off at 11-2, stormed home to collar Flegmatik.
"We winged two out and I was praying for one at the last and then he was good and quick and thankfully he was in front when it matters," the rider said.
In Ireland, Willie Mullins notched his twelfth Bobbyjo Chase title when Kemboy returned to winning ways. The 15-8 favourite was a half-length ahead of Vanillier, who had his Grand National odds cut to 25-1 with William Hill.
