Bombers Bullet joined Eyeonthe Veto and Patchys Kerry on Mark Wallis’ ever lengthening Champion Stakes Roll Of Honour. Added to his William Hill Grand Prix victory and Stayers Classic runner-up spot, he became an automatic Stayer of the Year short-lister. But in truth, most punters will recall the 2018 Romford Cat 1 Final for the spectacular fight by Heather Dimmock’s Kanturk Repeat.
Mark Wallis’ 5-2f produced the ‘crash break’ of his career in the final and had the race apparently in his grasp after clocking a career best 13.47 split. (By way of comparison, the King of Romford, Adageo Bob had a best of 13.42 from his 41 races over course and distance).
BOMBERS BULLET in early control of the Champion Stakes Final, passing the winning line on the first circuit chased by Ower Boy Bullet (t5) and subsequently disqualified Kanturk Repeat (t2). Photo: © Steve Nash
His pursuer was the dog feared most in the decider Ower Boy Bullet, who was in second place coming into the last bend, with punters wondering which of the leading pair would hit the stamina limitation first. Meanwhile, Kanturk Repeat closed up to June Harvey’s runner at the last bend and simply fought him off the track in spectacular style.
No one appeared more surprised than Shotgun Bullet who swerved leaving Clash to run on for a distant second place behind the 34.97 (+20) winner.
Trainer Mark Wallis said: “The victory couldn’t have come at a better time both for ourselves with the recent closure of Towcester and for the owners who have had injury issues recently with their other two stars Bruisers Bullet & Bonzos Bullet (now retired).
“Again thanks to Romford for their hospitality and to my team back at Imperial Kennels including our physio Ron Mills, we all work so hard and sometimes you have to have winners like this to make it all worthwhile, this last couple of weeks especially!
“Bombers Bullet is bouncing this morning and I’ve never seen him better which is a credit to the way we do things here but we will give him a short rest, I never believe in giving them long rests when they are in such great shape as they sometimes lose their form or worse seem to come back and get injured, we may think about the 600 yds race at Shelbourne on Derby final night but will sit down and have a think
“I’m still not convinced he will stay the St Leger trip at Perry Barr but sometimes you just don’t know until you try! I’ve been proven wrong on many occasions like last night when I said he couldn’t possibly lead up! What do trainers know!
“Saleen Ash has had a great campaign this year and was a touch unlucky last night as he pinged out as well but stumbled a touch on the run up which cost him his chance, he is a bit tired today but I’m sure will be okay in a couple of days.”
BOMBERS BULLET cruises to Champion Stakes victory with Clash (t3) taking a distant runner up spot. Photo: © Steve Nash
