Talented Son Of Milan Scores On Seasonal Return

The talented Santini (7g Milan - Tinagoodnight, by Sleeping Car) made a successful season return when taking Sunday’s Listed Intermediate Chase at Sandown.

A Grade 1 winner over hurdles and Grade 2 winner over fences, it was no surprise to see the Paul Nicholls-trained bay sent off favourite for the three mile test. Nico de Boinville rode him close to the leader Now McGinty, his mount jumping well throughout and leapt into the lead at the second last. Pushed along, he went clear approaching the final fence and just did enough to hold off a returning rally by the longtime leader, prevailing by a head on the line.

Mr and Mrs Kelvin Hughes’ homebred holds an entry in next month’s King George VI Chase at Kempton. He is one of three black-type performers out of the mare Tinagoodnight, who has a four-year-old filly by High Chaparral and a two-year-old filly by Walk In The Park.