Double Powerful certainly has to be considered as one of the most improved horses of the season. It's incredible to think that he began the year with an Official Rating of just 78. After recording his first victory at Fakenham back in March, he went on to notch up a six-race win streak, rising a total of 43lbs in the handicap. See his entire progress this season on the unique Horse Page.
Today Double Powerful competed in the Howden Conditional Jockeys' Handicap Hurdle at Ascot with an Official Rating of 121 and was ridden by regular jockey, Dylan Johnston. In a agonising tussle it wasn't to be and he finished a close second to East India Express, losing nothing in defeat. He probably would have won with two cleaner jumps in the home straight. All things considered, it was a brilliant run and he continues to be a huge credit to his trainer, Neil Mulholland.
Later on the card was the Howden Noel Novices' Chase where race favourite Johnnywho flopped badly. After an early jumping error he could never find any rhythm for Jonjo O'Neill Jr and was beaten before they even turned for home. Mark Of Gold looked a seasoned professional on his Chase debut and capitalised on his opponents' errors to win well, despite being the outsider of the field. He brought solid Average Speed figures into the race, as well as winning form on both Ground and Distance conditions. The Stats undoubtedly suggested he was underestimated in the market.