Droopys Acrobat (Tullymurry Act-Droopys Blossom, Sep 14), one of three Irish born runners in the British Breeders Stakes, recorded the fastest time in the first round at Nottingham on Monday night.
Running from trap three, Richard Rees’ 1-3f was soon into his stride (5.05 sect) before leading home Alfies Prince (T4 20-1) by a shade under six lengths in 29.54 for the 500m. Lowgate Topaz (T1 7-1) finished third.
The fourth heat was the toughest of the night and went to defending champ Eden The Kid (Westmead Hawk-Cabra Jade, Aug 13). Liz McNair’s 4-6f exited the orange box with Old Joe Golden (T6 5-2) on his outside. They clocked identical 5.06 sectionals before the Kid went on to a four and a bit length win in 29.55. Calco Flyer (T1 7-2) ran on for third.
Kid’s kennelmate Queen Asia (Droopys Scolari-Shaws Dilemma, Oct 12) also lived up to her 4-5f billing from trap two in the sixth heat. Led briefly by Geelo Onsie (T4), Asia came home with two and a bit to spare over Lowgate Malfoy (T6 3-1) in 29.71. Romeo Talent (T3 16-1) beat Honest John (T1) for the third qualifying slot.
Malfoy’s brother Lowgate Hagrid (Windy Millar-Hawks Dutchess, Aug 14) had fared better 15 minutes earlier when coming from last to first in another very competitive heat. The white jacketed 6-1 chance was led up by kennelmate Russanda Robin (T4 6-1) and then came from behind Badabing (T2 7-4f) and Thinkingofdarcy (T5 7-2) to win by a length in 29.81. Castell Henry (T1 2-1jf) was surprisingly eliminated.
It was though a good night for the litter with Bang On Giles (Kinloch Brae-Tyrur Alice, Apr 14) causing a 6-1 shock in an exciting opener. The early part of the event was dominated by Carlos Court (T5 9-4). But the race really developed from the third bend when Giles (T2) and Blissful Scolari (T1 4-5f) made their move. Giles got home by a length in 29.71 with Carlos Court a head third.
Giles’ sister Bang On Ella went to trap two as an 8-1 chance in the third heat and was well placed as early leader Romeo Reform (T1 16-1) went backwards from the halfway. She was then challenged by Irish raider Trade Freddie (T6 7-4jf) and Bansha Rooskey (T5 3-1) and it was the latter who got to within a head of the 30.11 winner.
