Memphis in black
There weren’t too many shocks in the Derby draw – at least until the end.
The Thursday night draw didn’t bring together too many clashes though Graham Holland could be forgiven for thinking that the Gods had conspired against him with a quarternof his team being drawn together in heat six. The shortest priced runner on the night will be De Lahdedah, currently trading at 25s.
You could almost hear the Kent curses (‘ I think I must have feckin killed someone’ in a Scottish accent) following the collation of the Friday night draw. Derby favourite King Memphis and kennelmate Queen Joni – both railers – were both drawn in black in their respective heats with Joni also facing the prospect of two Holland hotshots in Faypoint Sean and Clonbrien Treaty.
(They were proceeded by fellow railer King Capaldi and followed by Queen Georgia to complete an unwelcome four-timer).
But the clash of the round came in heat 31 where four of the top 20 in the betting were drawn together with the two leading North East fancies, Wicky Ned and Links Maverick taking on the Buckley star, Superfast Gorden.
(Four to qualify from heats 11, 21, 24)
Not Bungled second time
Rioja Bungle is a quick learner. The ante post favourite for the BGBG British Bred Maiden Derby showed inexperience in the first round but demonstrated some of his pre-competition ability with an impressive win in Thursday’s second semi final at Newcastle.
He will be joined in next Thursday’s final by three Romeos, a Queen and an ‘Alan’. Quickest of the Firmager/Heilbron runners was Romeo Jackson who took full advantage of first bend trouble to power home in 28.71.
The third qualifier was messy with Witton Myles being KO’d at the first bend after Untold Quetzal appeared to be struggling from the third bend onwards. Romeo Crossfire took full advantage to win in 28.94.
Final betting: 6/4 Romeo Jackson, 2/1 Rioja Bungle, 5/2 Romeo Crossfire, 8/1 Queen Ariana, Romeo El Aguila, 33/1 Blackhouse Alan
When Emily visited Patrick
Today we feature the latest of Emily Wallis’ kennel visits to a leading Derby trainer, in this case, former Derby winning (and runner-up) handler Patrick Janssens.
OPENS
Tonight: Doncaster ♦ Monmore ♦ Oxford ♦ Perry Barr
Sunday: Crayford ♦ Sheffield ♦ Towcester
