SHOES SHINES FOR EASTERBY

Tim Easterby dominated the opening contest at Ripon with Blue Shoes just holding off stablemate Just Like Heaven as Paul Hanagan initiated a double.

With punters looking for clues from the draw ahead of the Great St Wilfrid later on the card, Hanagan chose to come up the stands side on the winner, scoring by half a length from Just Like Heaven, who stuck to the far rail.

The 6-1 chance was always prominent, but had to do it the hard way on her own, showing great tenacity.

To complete the Easterby monopoly, On The Hoof was third for the winning trainer's uncle, Mick.

Easterby jnr said: "Both horses want cut and I didn't think there was much between them. I would have preferred them both to be on the far side, so it proves there's nothing in the draw. Paul gave her a great ride."

Hanagan wasted no time in doubling up on Henry Cecil's Diescentric, the 4-1 favourite for the VW Van Centre West Yorkshire Handicap.

Cara's Request set off like a scalded cat, but Hanagan was content to sit way off the pace and was travelling ominously well three furlongs out. He took up the running some way from home and did not have to get serious as Diescentric coasted to a length-and-three-quarters victory over Amazing Star.

The jockey said: "That's two winners from just four rides for the trainer now, he's not a bad man to have a good record for! He did that with his ears pricked and there was plenty left."

Easterby bookended the card as Getabuzz (15-2) took the concluding SIS Live Handicap in the hands of Tom Eaves.

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