CROSSFIELD VINCE scored a popular local victory when winning the final of the Ladbrokes.com Crayford Vase at the Kent track on Saturday.

The July 2016 son of Kinloch Brae and Crossfield Alba paced up well and was always in command after negotiating the bend ahead of the Dean Childs-trained kennelmates Southfield Ariel and Droopys Charm.

Thereafter, the near three-year-old, who made his debut in A5 at Crayford in April 2018, was always in front and never looked in danger, especially when strong-running Droopys Denny (Ricky Holloway) was held up as he made a move.

Winning by three and three-quarter lengths, Crossfield Vince stopped the clock in 33.81sec for the 540m (normal) to claim the Category Two prize, worth £2,500 to the winner, sponsored by the track owners Ladbrokes.

Peter Broadbridge, Crayford’s stadium manager, presented the winning trophy to connections – led by owners Myles Simmons and Anne Wilkinson, and successful handler Julie Luckhurst, who had two finalists given Snowdon Archie also qualified.

Of Crossfield Vince, Luckhurst said: “We’re all really delighted to have brought Vince back to his best. He had a few problems, but the owners have been really patIent and fortunately it’s paid off. Hopefully the luck will continue!

“We thought we had a chance with two finalists, but you’ve always got to do it right – and Vince did. He was under pressure into the turn, but was brave. There was some crowding, but he ran a great first bend and held his position and his line.

“He’s been a very consistent dog anyway, right from the start. He’s rarely out of the frame, but always looked a decent 540m type when winning his first S1 easily. We had some issues before the Vase, but he’s come back fresh and improving.”

Crayford racing manager Danny Rayment said: “It was a thoroughly deserved local victory for Crossfield Vince and Julie Luckhurst – and I’m pleased for Julie, her team, and the dog’s owners.

“I saw Vince during a kennel visit on Friday and remarked to Julie at the time that I thought he had an outstanding chance as I could see Ricky’s dog (Droopys Denny) struggling to get a run at a vital stage of the race. I just didn’t think he’d lead as early as he did, but the writing was on the wall by halfway.”

Rayment said the track was now looking forward to a busy open-race programme, which continues on Saturday with the final of the Ladbrokes.com Spring Puppy Cup.

“We then look forward to the Kent Cesarewitch (874m) and Kent Champion Hurdle (540mH) competitions starting on June 8, with hopefully the likes of Slippy Maggie, Savana Winner, Aayamzabreeze, Goldies Hotspur and others in the Ces.

“As for the hurdles, we’d hope to also get Caislean Fifi, Droopys Denny, Piemans Bullet, Droopys Trawler and others as well.

“We also hope to confirm shortly the dates of the Guys & Dolls for July, with the Jay & Kay Coach Tours Kent St Leger and Gold Collar, sponsored by Karl Brazier, awaiting confirmation for late September through to early November.”