11 February 2024 , 15:28
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Punters were left reeling when a longshot who was beaten by 99 lengths in his last race sprang a 200-1 surprise at Exeter.
Absolute Steel made every yard of the running to win the Trustatrader Apply Today British Studs EBF Novices Hurdle on Sunday.
Racegoers were stunned as he held off the late challenge of the 4-9 hot favourite Lowry’s Bar who was expected to win his fifth race on the bounce. Ridden by Stan Sheppard and trained by Tom Lacey, the horse cost just £16,000 at the sales but had showed absolutely no form in his two previous starts.
He was stone last on his debut at Market Rasen before being beaten 99 lengths at Chepstow when he was 12th of 13. Although his starting price was 200-1, his SP on Betfair was a whopping 814-1.
Jockey Sheppard told Racing TV: "I didn't think he was as bad as his last run at Chepstow, his first over hurdles, but I was actually relatively happy with his first run in his bumper at Market Rasen.
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"I know he finished last (of five) but he wasn't beaten overly far, we didn't go fast and he just stayed going at the same speed.
"I'd say today, the favourite might have underperformed, but while I'm surprised, I'm not that surprised.
"He had a good look at the first three hurdles in the home straight but running to the last, I was thinking if the favourite comes by me within five strides of the line, I might not get back by him - but when he came at me, he picked up well again."