For many years the English Derby was a 48 runner invitation stake with the racing manager of the day seeding the runners 1-48. In fact for many people, the third round remains their ‘real starting point’ for the event. What happened in Saturday night’s third round of qualifiers? Lots! writes Floyd Amphlett.
After a ‘so so’ second round, the Irish trainers once again showed their force with four winners including the joint fastest winners, All About Ted and Deerjet Sydney. The returning champion looks a real contender to join the ‘all time greats’ an elite band of double winners: Mick The Miller, Patricia’s Hope and Westmead Hawk. A very productive night too for the recently returned Kevin Hutton with a double including which included ‘The Wildcat’s nephew’ Signet Ace. Not too shoddy for Patrick Janssens either, one winner but all three safely through.
Shocks – there were plenty, none greater than Native Maestro who looked to have gone wrong in leaving the boxes. A TFL (hind muscle) injury was diagnosed within minutes of the race. It was a bad night for the ladies with Jaguar Macie, Queens Dolly and Beyonce and Ballymac Ariel all departing along with the well fancied Tenpin, Roxholme Sheik and Hilight Arkle to name but a few.
News was beginning to emerge of a significant ante post gamble on Ballymac Fairone who looks very conservatively named after producing one of the outstanding performances of the night, a title that the Unlock Unlock fanbase might believe is hers in her own right.
It wasn’t June weather, but the thrilling Derby excitement filled the air – we meet again in another six days!
