It would seem almost inconceivable that an 18 month old bitch puppy would steal the thunder of the Derby quarter finalists, but Droopys Kathleen’s 27.58 track record is so freakish as to be almost impossible to comprehend.
When you think of some of the stars who have graced course and distance in recent years: Ballymac Araminta (27.70), De Lahdedah (27.78), Swords Rex (27.79), Coolavnny Hoffa (28.02) . . . .
Visually, it looked like a track record breaking run – but nevertheless. And she was hardly pulling up at the winning line. Just incredible!
In terms of the Derby, there was a career best 550 run for Irish Sprint Cup third, Carrick Aldo. Elsewhere, there were few more impressive than Pat Buckley’s Champion Open Unraced finalist Hopes Teddy with the fifth fastest 525 of the year at Limerick, 28.05.
At Cork, Declan McDonagh’s Alva Mist made his first attempt beyond 550 yards and equalled the fastest 575 yard run of the year with a 31.02 run.
While at Drumbo, Aiden Cullen’s Imokilly Spice, who has more more than he has last in his last 11 outings, was only seven spots off the fastest sprint of the year with a 17.67 run at Drumbo.
Last, but not least, it is seven months since Jaytee Craze was the beaten odds-on favourite in Towcester’s Maiden Derby Final. Paul Hennessy’s runner has gradually stepped up in company winning a dual distance stake at Shelbourne in 32.17 for 600.
On Saturday he went for a genuine stayer’s trip, a 730 yarder at Waterford, and won by an ever extending 15 lengths in a flying 40.38; the quickest run over course and distance in seven years.
