Cerca Trova ploughs through the soft ground

Cerca Trova stayed on well to win the extended two mile two handicap hurdle in the hands of Johnny Burke for trainer Jim Dreaper.

The eight-year-old mare raced in rear before improving into fourth at the second last. Once ridden at the last she forged on up the hill to prevail by three parts of a length at 6/1. She was 11/1 in the morning, but there five non runners due to the change in going. In addition, the reserve wasn’t declared. Mosman Park rallied to take second at 8/1 while Glen Orchy Lad dropped to third close home at 8/1. He was beaten four and a quarter lengths by the winner. Only 10 of the original 15 runners went to post after a deluge of rain in the north changed the going to soft after the first rain.

Jockey Johnny Burke said: "She was always finding plenty. She'll have no bother in chases."