King Elvis remains on course to retain his Henlow Derby title, though it took a ‘workmanlike’ rather than ‘Elviseque’ performance to win his semi final on Sunday afternoon.
Liz McNair’s Greyhound of the Year had only trapped badly once previously at Henlow when beaten after clocking a 3.72 sectional in last year’s first round. He repeated that split today when led up by Jim Hayton’s Lowgate Rudy (3.66) but had the race under control when taking a tight line into the first bend. The leading pair were never challenged with Elvis holding on by three and a half lengths in 27.35.
Elvis’ time and sectional was equalled by former local grader Barstool Trainer (Rio Quattro-Way Out, Jul 16). Carol Weatherall’s runner dominated a race seemingly lacking top class early pace from the start and came home six clear of the strong finishing Drumcrow Darcy.
Dropzone (Sh Avatar-Bomus, Jul 15) showed a glimpse of his old form which saw him win 11/12 opens last year when dominating the first qualifier. Elaine Parker’s brindle clocked 3.67 sectional to lead the field before dropping into second place behind Bubbly Turbo. But Dropzone didn’t give up and rallied late to get up by three quarters of a length in 27.49.
The draw for the final promised to be intriguing with Bubbly Turbo, far from a confirmed railer, nevertheless guaranteed the red jacket as the only ‘rails’ runner drawn alongside five middle seeds.
T1) Bubbly Turbo, T2) Barschool Trainer (M), T3) Drumcrow Darcy (M), T4) King Elvis (M), T5) Dropzone (M), T6) Lowgate Rudy (M)
