Roman Empire produced the joint third fastest time ever recorded over the Monmore 630m course on Saturday putting himself in some very salubrious company.
Ernie Gaskin’s blue clocked 37.22 on going still to be verified as either (originally rated as -20, still to be confirmed). Even on a ‘N’ going allowance, it puts the dog who broke a hock eight months ago, as the fastest over course and distance in more than 11 years.
The run possibly took the gloss off another exceptional performance on the night by Droopys Reel. Angela Harrison’s bitch already looks to be the best female sprinter for many years as she destroyed her field being some five lengths clear within the first 100 metres of the 264m contest.
Her 15.06 (-05) winning time also compares well with Jethart Here’s 12 year old track record of 14.95 (+20).
The performance of the night on Crayford‘s 12 open race card belonged to Summer Stayers Classic winner Sheldan with a 45.17 run or the 714 metres.
It was a fine run considering she had to overcome some early traffic problems set by Swift Tarquin.
Sheldan’s winning time was 44 spots faster than the next quickest of the other five 714 metre opens staged on the night.
Trainer Kevin Boon will be hoping that the daughter of Top Savings will progress further in the Ladbrokes Gold Collar than a year ago when she was eliminated in the first round.
There was also considerable interest in the pre-meeting trial session where St.Leger winner and ante post favourite for the Golden Jacket Redzer Ardfert took his first glimpse of the Crayford circuit and clocked a very reasonable 23.46.
Meanwhile Skilful Sandie produced a very promising 45.04 (normal) run over the Jacket course and distance.
There was also an impressive run by kennelmate and likely Bussey Memorial Desperado Dan with a smart 33.72 (-20) for the 540 metre course.
Backing up the Coral Winter Derby at Hove were two fine puppy performances in supporting opens.
The 20 month old debutant King Bruno (Leamaneigh Turbo-King Bruno, May 18) broke reasonably but showed devastating early pace to seize control of the race on the run to the first bend.
He then went well clear of his field along the backstraight before fading badly late on and only holding on by three quarters of a length in 29.82 (-10) for the 500 metre course.
Assistant trainer Rab McNair said: “That was only his second run over four bends since his lay-off. Although he faded, I was expecting it. At the moment, we are thinking about the Monmore 480 for the Puppy Derby and I think he will get that well enough with a bit more fitness.
“What was particularly pleasing was that Bruno trialled against King Sam in a two dog trial at Monmore last week and Sam destroyed him for early pace. And we know that King Drake, who I believe is the fastest of the lot, is faster to the third bend than Sam.”
There was also a very pleasing first race win for Paul Young’s Droopys Point (Coolavanny Jap-Droopys Rhiona, Jun 18) over the 285 metres.
Though very moderately away, the black youngster clearly had gears to spare and got home by three quarters of a length in 16.56 (-05). Clearly plenty to come!
DROOPYS POINT (t1) wins Maiden Sprint from Blue Thrill Lad (t5). Photo: © Steve Nash
