Saturday 14 October 2017 16:18, UK
Withhold landed a big gamble when he powered clear of his rivals in the Betfred Cesarewitch at Newmarket.
The four-year-old had run just once previously this season, finishing third at Newbury three weeks ago on what was his first start since joining Roger Charlton from the yard of Charlie Hills.
With champion jockey-elect Silvestre de Sousa in the saddle, the 5-1 favourite was never too far off the pace and was sent into the lead before the home turn.
After having taken a few strides out of the field, De Sousa angled towards the stands' rail and Withhold saw out the marathon distance well to score by three and three-quarters of a length.
London Prize was second and Lagostovegas third.
Charlton told ITV Racing: "It doesn't normally work, but this one has.
"I think Silvestre gave him a very enterprising ride, to have him up there from a wide draw.
"He's a very nice horse and winning these races are very memorable.
"It was a demolition job, really."
De Sousa said: "Mr Charlton left everything to me.
"He quickened all the way to the line. He has done it very well.
"He's a lovely horse and he should improve."
Charlton feels his charge is capable of making his mark in Pattern class in due course.
He added: "I was very lucky. Some good judges decided that this was the horse to be bought from the Horses In Training sales.
"He had a lovely break during the winter I insisted on the horse being gelded. He was a big, burly horse then.
"He'd proved he stays two miles. I thought if we didn't run him he wouldn't go up in the handicap, so we waited until three weeks ago.
"We ran him over a mile and a half and I thought he ran very well and the form worked out quite well. It was a case of presenting him on the day fit and ready to go.
"I think he is a good stayer and why wouldn't he end up being a player in Group race?
"The way he has won that looks like he ought to win more races. He has absolutely demolished them."
