Westmead Rossi was beaten – Droopys Who and Bubbly Turbo were eliminated – Lenson Santi went quickest in the first round of the RPGTV Henlow Derby.

Tony Collett’s Lenson Santi (Tullymurry Act-Jaytee Dancer, Dec 13) went to trap four chasing the first hat-trick of his career and dominated from the front. Running off a 3.69 sectional, he dominated from the front as orange jacketed neighbour Bubbly Turbo (7-4f) was crowded on the run-up. Santi was pursued by Stay Loose who got to within three quarters of a length with Quivers Lad outstaying Bubbly Turbo for third. the winner’s time was 27.64. All six heats were run on going rated (-30).

LENSON SANTI (t4) leads early (sect 3.69, fastest of night overall 27.64) from runner up Stay Loose (t1). My Mate Max (t2) also pictured, prominent early but went out. RPGTV Henlow Derby heats, 16th October 2016. Photo: Steve Nash

LENSON SANTI (t4) leads early (sect 3.69, fastest of night overall 27.64) from runner up Stay Loose (t1). My Mate Max (t2) also pictured, prominent early but went out. Photo: Steve Nash

The best buckle of the night saw California (Ballymac Vic-Silverhill Tina, Apr 14) hold off a game Thirteen Bags. Mark Wallis’ 6-4f flew out in the night’s fastest sectional (3.68) with Thirteen Bags (T1 4-1) his closest contender. Diane Henry’s Novice Gold Cup winner drew ominously close by the third bend but California held on by a neck with Prince Rock in third. The winner’s time was 27.69.

Clondoty Alex (Razldazl Jayfkay-Castlehill Alex, May 13) was two spots slower  at the sectional than his kennelmate California, but was half a length quicker with a flawless performance from trap three. He was marginally led up by Maiden Derby winner Skywalker Archie (3.69) but fluent bend running saw the Wallis runner keep a tighter course and he crossed the line with a length and a half to spare. Savana Terry (T4 6-1) was a distance third. Winning time 27.65.

CLONDOTY ALEX wins heat 4 in 27.65 RPGTV Henlow Derby heats, 16th October 2016. Photo: Steve Nash

CLONDOTY ALEX wins heat 4 in 27.65 Photo: Steve Nash

The opening heat saw a disappointing performance from the track’s most consistent performer Westmead Rossi (T4 4-6f). He trapped well (3.69) and led from Liam Og but was not going fluently along the backstraight and was overtaken by Liam Og (Kinloch Brae-Cool Article, Aug 14) at the third bend. The 5-2 chance was in turn tackled by Shaneboy Freddie who failed to get up by a short head. Rossi just held on for third. The winner’s time was 27.92.

LIAM OG (t1) wins the opening heat by a short head from Shaneboy Freddie (t2) WT 27.92 RPGTV Henlow Derby heats, 16th October 2016. Photo: Steve Nash

LIAM OG (t1) wins the opening heat by a short head from Shaneboy Freddie (t2) WT 27.92 Photo: Steve Nash

Droopys Who was the high profile casualty in heat two. The Kent Derby finalist got no sort of run in a race dominated by three Carol Grasso trained runners though it was the strong finish of Peregrine Falcon (Ace Hi Rumble-Minefield, Mar 13) who prevailed. John Mullins’ 2015 Irish Derby finalist got home by a length and a half in 28.02, Glenpadden Wood was third. The winner’s time was 28.02.

PEREGRINE FALCON (t1) wins in 28.02 from early leader Idle Talker (t4). RPGTV Henlow Derby heats, 16th October 2016. Photo: Steve Nash

PEREGRINE FALCON (t1) wins in 28.02 from early leader Idle Talker (t4). Photo: Steve Nash

Paul Young sent out half the field in the remaining heat including the forecast. First home was East Anglian Derby finalist Ajlo Legalbeagle (Romeo Recruit-Droopys Alanna, May 14) who beat litter brother Young Romeo by three lengths in 27.88. Shaneboy Style took third.

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