The old betting adage about staying clear of slow dogs proved as valid as ever in the 769 metre open at Harlow on Tuesday night.
Determined to stage the first eight-bend race at the track in more than three years, racing manager Mark Schellenberg was benevolent in his selection policy and included A8 runner Susie Woo (50-1) and A6 regular Black Adder (33-1).
Punters could see no further than Mick Fawsitt’s Diesel Flow who opened and closed at 2-5f, based on her recent open race form and 28.61 win in A3 at Wimbledon.
All seemed to be going to plan after the first circuit with Black Adder being pressed by the odds-on shot who had overcome a hefty bump early on. Adder was still clear going into the back straight for the second time but he anticipated the hare coming to its usual stop at the pick-up and cut across to meet it. The favourite followed his lead, as did Susie Woo. Heather Dimmock’s 14-1 shot Grafton Kylie was the only one to keep her eye on the prize and duly won by four and a half in 52.45. Susie Woo recovered to take second with Black Adder coming third to complete a tricast of £286.
Schellenberg said: “Black Adder was obviously caught out being a regular 415 dog here and it ended up a bit of a mess. When we used to run marathons here the winning times were normally around 50.50. Last night’s winner did a calculated 51.45, so I don’t think it should be used too much as a form guide.”
