ATTY’S Edge overcame a slow start to take the five furlong race at Chepstow last Thursday, breaking his duck and giving Chris Mason his ninth winner of the year.

That’s eight more than his 2018 total and more than double his previous best. Most of his horses have been home-breds, often with “Edge” in their names. He gained some new owners in the last year or so and after bringing their horses along quietly in 2018 they have reaped the benefit in 2019.

In the seven furlong novices stakes on the same card, the David Evans gelding Snow Ocean finished an honourable second to an impressive John Gosden filly, Severnaya, who is bound to go on to better things. Snow Ocean cost 130,000 euros as a yearling, only to change hands for rather less a few weeks ago prior to joining Evans. He was making his debut for the yard after five moderate runs in Ireland. They weren’t completely without hope, though, and it’s odds on Evans will win with him sooner or later.

Grace Harris’ sixth victory of the year, at Ffos Las on Sunday, equalled her best total of flat race winners in a season.

Mabo had been running well all summer, especially when placed twice at the same course. Reproducing that form, helped by a return to seven furlongs, he rewarded those who had kept the faith and taken 10/1 before his odds were cut to 8/1. That was his ninth race since being bought for £4,500 in early June, so he’s a tough sort. Now he’s recouped his purchase price with a bit to spare.

The Dai Burchell-trained Good Impression didn’t run badly when finishing sixth at Goodwood a few weeks ago and built on that by winning a mile and a half handicap at Ffos Las. It was his first success, at the 25th attempt, but only the fourth in the care of the Briery Hill handler. He had the assistance of the in-demand apprentice, Cieren Fallon, who was completing a treble.

Union Rose had become quite frustrating for his trainer Ron Harris. Rated 97 in 2016, his ability didn’t often translate into appearances in the winners enclosure. His first 55 races yielded only four victories and his mark dropped as low as 64. However, two wins last autumn and two in his most recent couple of outings have shown he retains some of his earlier prowess. His latest, on Friday, was a fairly modest five furlong contest by Sandown standards but he was clearly on top. Harris had booked Raul da Silva, who won on him the time before. The same combination return to the same course and distance with a four pound penalty for today’s 1.50 race.

Chepstow’s final flat fixture of 2019 took place yesterday. There’s a break of almost a month before their Jump Season Opener, which this year has been shifted a day forward to Friday and Saturday, the 11th and 12th of October.