Derby halfway times are sponsored by Star Sports
Distant Podge entirely raised his early pace game on Saturday with by far his quickest ‘halfway’ sectional.
Having clocked 4.27 splits in the first two rounds, the Sean Flaherty bred, Peter Band owned, Barrie Draper trained hound was never led after a 4.10 exit, an identical time to Swords Rex and Fabulous Azurra who are his inside neighbours on Saturday.
Having gained 17 spots on the run to the line, he then found another half a second to the point near the third bend where the runners are clocked.
Brinkleys Magic converted his 4.09 into a 15.65, which if repeated on Saturday would seem him leading Ballymac Marino by almost three lengths at the halfway mark, unless Marino can also kick on.
The other big improver was Romeo Command whose previous splits were timed at 4.29 and 4.22, but raised his game to a 4.11 and was just half a length adrift of Podge on the digital timer.
Results have been mixed for the strong finishers in the first couple of rounds with Ballyhimikin Mel and Mcneil both departing, but overall strong runners are more than holding their own.
Romeo Command was the sixth strongest finished in the second round but topped the table on Saturday. Brinkley Magic looks a real powerhouse with a great all-round game, and what can you say about Savana Beau? He was second fastest last week and third quickest in the latter stages this week, all three runs being timed within three spots.
The least surprising set of figures with most punters being aware that Romeo Command was quickest on the night and continuing to improve chunks.
Some remarkable consistency too from Swords Rex who simply has one style of running. He runs Towcester as though its Shelbourne. Off the front – gone. Reliable, consistent, classy.
In the lower half of the table, there is a mass of 29.40 to 29.80 form but some will clearly need to find a length or two to be with us next week.
As always we conclude with a little touch of ‘what if’.
This represents the best ‘halves’ of each of the three races combined. Interestingly, Swords Rex is only fifth fastest.
