CHUBBYS CAVIAR upheld Classic form when winning the Bunny Bookmakers Gold Cup Final at Henlow on Sunday.

One of four Mark Wallis-trained finalists in the decider – Romford trainer Paul Young fielded the other two – the local handler kept the trophy on home soil as last year’s Oaks finalist led before halfway and raced clear.

However, the April 2016 daughter of Tyrur Big Mike and Pumpstreet Caviar initially had to pull out the stops to catch fast-starting Itsur Mate from the boxes and the Young-trained runner was always on the premises despite running wide.

Taking the shorter route, the Mike Davis-owned Chubbys Caviar came through at the fourth bend and kept her form thereafter to win by one and a half lengths from Itsur Mate to win in 33.88sec (-30), much to the delight of her handler.

“It was another gutsy performance and great to keep her unbeaten record in the competition,” he said. “I don’t actually think she’s on her A-game just now, so really it’s her class that’s winning her these races.

“She had a couple of rough rides after the Oaks, and then a couple of niggles, but is certainly coming forward again and there’ll be more to come I’m sure as the warmer weather comes in.

“She missed the break in the final, and really had to battle to get to Paul’s dog but then held her form well. The 550m at Henlow and 575m at Romford is probably as far as she wants, so she was all out coming home.

“Thankfully the stronger dogs were far enough behind her and it’s great to win one of the these finals. People have said we’ve started slowly this year, but we have more points at this stage of the year than last – it’s just Patrick (Janssens) has got more!

“We’re thrilled to win and it was especially nice for my daughter Emily to parade her first big winner and for Mike (Davis, owner), who’s been a great supporter of the kennel. He had a christening in Ireland so couldn’t make it this week, although was over for the heats and semis.

“He also had another winner on the day with Silva Hill and he, like Chubbys Caviar, was a reasonably-priced purchase.”

Wallis plans another crack at the Oaks long-term with Chubbys Caviar, although is unlikely to be tempted by the Derby with her. “A short six bends might be the call for her, perhaps going over a stiff four bends for bitches’ races only,” he added.

Henlow promoter Kevin Boothby congratulated connections of the winner and is now looking forward to the start of the Henlow Maiden Derby this weekend – the Category One competition over 460m closes to entries on Wednesday.

“We’ve been proud to stage some cracking Sunday racing of late. Well done to Chubbys Caviar and to Mark and his team – no doubt they will now be plotting to win the Maiden Derby here! It promises to be a great event.”