All the big names made it through from the opening round of the SIS Yorkshire St.Leger with the racing office’s Simon Pearson expecting next Monday’s semi finals to be even more competitive. His views of the first round . . .
“Ela Juliet led up from Master Kelly and Goldies Hotspur ran off at the first bend and tangled with Garryglass Champ. There was little between the first two and Master Kelly took the lead at the fourth bend but was outstayed by the winner. Goldies Hotspur put in a tremendous run to finish third.”
“Swift Hansel led up as expected but Calico Ranger probably broke better than normal and went past the leader at the fifth bend. He looked to have the race comfortably won though Swift Hansel was making ground up again at the finish”
“Keplar Nine absolutely shot out and went into a comfortable early lead. But he has been off and clearly needed the run. Baroness Bullet ran on strongly to win on merit in the end.”
“Ridgedale Max led at the first bend and looked as though he would have it all his own way. He won like a good thing but Swift Tarquin produced a very strong finish to get second.”
“This was the best race of the night. Bombers Bullet flew from traps and was very impressive in the early stages but our 661m is a very tough trip and right at his stamina limit. Slippy Maggie flew up on the inside and ran a terrific race to come through the field. Roxholme Poppy was last at one stage but ran on strongly to get third.”
“Droopys Live was the most impressive winner of the night. She flew from traps and never looked in a moment’s danger clocking the fastest time of the night.”
Looking ahead to the semi finals, Simon said:
“I would expect Bombers Bullet to lead again in the first semi final but he may struggle again in the later stages. On the draw, Calico Ranger, with a slow breaker on his inside, looks the one to beat.
“The second semi could see an early paced battle between the one and the six, though Swift Hansel wouldn’t be far away either. I have a suspicion that there will be a shock in this one though and I think Goldie Hotspur could cause it.”
“For me, this is all about Droopys Live who could not have been more impressive in the heats. The inside three should dominate and I would edge it to Slippy Maggie to be flying at the finish for second.”
BRITISH BRED OAKS SEMIS
