CHIPPING Norton trainer Charlie Longsdon’s plan to strike first time out this autumn with Drop Out Joe at Chepstow came to fruition as the gelding galloped to an impressive success.

Longsdon had earmarked a valuable handicap chase over an extended two miles and seven furlongs for the seven-year-old’s reappearance on Saturday.

And the move paid off as the 5-1 shot powered clear up the home straight under Aidan Coleman, before holding off the fast-finishing Buachaill Alainn by a length and a quarter.

“That’s been the plan for a long time,” said Longsdon.

“But I was worried it was more competitive than I thought it would be.

“I am over the moon.

“I’ve always thought there was a big race in him and he won it nicely in the end.

“His jumping was impeccable and it was a lovely bold ride from Aidan.”

Longsdon and Coleman had successfully combined earlier in the week.

They struck with Azure Fly, who made a successful return at Ludlow.

Sent off the 7-2 favourite for a handicap chase over an extended three miles and a furlong, the seven-year-old gave his supporters a scare when swerving badly left on the run-in.

But he went onto beat Dreamsoftheatre by a length and a quarter.

Ready Token also hit the target for Longsdon and Coleman after a break when defying top weight with a 15-length romp in a handicap chase over an extended two miles and seven furlongs at Market Rasen.

On the Flat, Chastleton trainer John Gallagher sent out Iseemist to land a six-furlong handicap at Goodwood by half a length in the hands of Shane Gray.