Roswell Romanov continued on his redemption trail with an impressive victory in the first semi of the Coral Coronation Cup. The beaten Essex Vase favourite went to traps with eleven wins and four seconds from his last 15 races over the Romford 575m trip and backers would have had very few moments of concern following another smash break.
The white jacketed 10-11f soon led from three, was pursued for a lap by Millwards Master (T1 8-1) before coming home with a nod under seven lengths to spare in 35.05. Memphis Master (T4 8-1) held off kennelmate Office Flirt (T5 4-1) by a short head for second.
Vase winner Bubbly Torpedo (T4 10-11f) was expected to make short work of the second semi but the draw on the outside of Razldazl Valiant (T3 5-1) proved decisive as Ricky Holloway’s runner dominated from the start. Valiant crossed the line with three and a half to spare over Torpedo in a time of 35.31 with Oakfield Caesar (T6 9-2) in third.
The third semi produced an even bigger surprise when Holloway’s apparent first string Boylesports Duke (T6 11-10f) was eliminated. Duke trapped well but was obstructed on his passage to and around the turn by Moreton Volare. Up front it was Shaneboy Freddie (T2 11-4) from Newlawn Simon (T3 6-1) and it was the latter who showed the greater stamina as he pulled away to beat the strong finishing Murrays Act (T5 6-1) by just under three lengths in 35.29
The draw saw Romanov given the ‘coffin’ for only the second time in his career. He nevertheless heads the betting for next Wednesday’s decider. 8-13f Roswell Romanov, 4-1 Bubbly Torpedo, 5-1 Razldazl Valiant, 10-1 Newlawn Simon, 12-1 Murrays Act, 20-1 Memphis Mafia. The top two in the market had started at 4-5f and 3-1 when they met in the Vase Final.
