Saturday
After two comparatively smooth nights, Saturday was full of incident starting with the elimination of the winter ante post favourite Frompillartopost in heat 23 which was won by Beepers Lariat in 29.53.
The following five pix tell the story
At the split, Savana Bailey (T1) leads with Fromposttopillar (T6) seemingly well placed in second.
The favourite (2nd right) is being forced wide by Fernandes (3rd right) at the first bend
Off the second bend and Savana Bailey (T1) being challenged by eventual winner Beepers Lariat (T3). Fromposttopillar (T6) checks out and hampers Newinn Ranger (T5)
Going into the third bend and ante post vouchers are being torn up
A late rally approaching the last bends suggests both Fernandes (T4) and Fromposttopillar (T6) might reel in the leaders. . . .and then. . .
But the drama wasn’t over, there would be a void race as Vixons Flyer tried to take a flyer by creating a short cut across the middle.
A ballot saw Chelms Paul, Chasing Tommytee and Antigua Bigun sent through to the next round. Bubbly Gizmo stands by as a reserve.
Barley Panther might have been the slowest to qualify for the second round after clocking 30.04 – though he did rally bravely after hitting the rail at the second bend. The luckiest has to be Deanridge Anton who qualified off a 29.98. . .in a three dog race.
Quickest on the night was Cesarewitch winner Cochise reverting back to four bends and recorded a hugely impressive 28.94.
Just a couple of spots slower was Whyaye Man who was particularly impressive to the eye and not so shoddy on the clock either with a 28.96 run. This recent purchase should be a strong player in the event for the recently formed MWD Partnership.
Unluckiest hound of the round? It surely has to be Barefoot Supremo, fourth in a time of 29.12. He finished fourth in heat 19, beaten sh, sh, ¾ clocking a calculated 29.12, a time that would have won 10 of the other heats.
Last but not least, the completition of a four-timer for breeder Dave Firmager. Romeo Command, so long second in the betting to Fromposttopillar, had to dig deep after finding his own issues. But the Melton Mowbray bred hound joined fellow Romeos Hanzo, Magico and Top Gun in the round of 96.
CLICK ON RESULTS TO SEE VIDEO
BEEPERS LARIAT wins heat 23 from Savana Bailey (t1) and Newinn Ranger (t5) as Fromposttopillar (t6) is eliminated Photo: © Steve Nash
BALLYMAC JOEY (t2) on his way to scoring in Saturday’s opening heat in 29.17 from Hopes Woofwoof (t6). Lautaro (t3) was third but Ivanexile (t4) went out, not helped by this early crowding. Photo: © Steve Nash
COCHISE (t3) leads from Tullig Raven (t2) on his way to an impressive 28.94 (fastest of the night 3) in heat 24 Photo: © Steve Nash
DEELISH FRANKIE wins heat 26 Photo: © Steve Nash
DROOPYS GOOGLE wins the concluding First Round heat 32 of the Derby WT 29.07 Photo: © Steve Nash
GOLDIES PERRYMAN on his way to winning heat 31 Photo: © Steve Nash
SUPA NOVA (t6 right) finishes well to catch Bens Lad (t4) by a head in heat 27 with Bellmore Lola (t5 far left) in third. Photo: © Steve Nash
UNTOLD ZLOTY wins in 29.20 Photo: © Steve Nash
Well backed WHYAYE MAN (t2) leads Late Bolger (t4) to win heat 30 by five lengths in a fast 28.96 for Mark Wallis Photo: © Steve Nash
Kaluki (t5) leads and crowds with winner Deelish Frankie at the first bend in heat 26 Photo: © Steve Nash
