It was Bookies 3 Punters 0 in the semis of the Coral Coronation Cup at Romford.
Ante post favourite Fivestar Clipper (1-3f) was KO’d in the first qualifier. Although he trapped well, Derek Knight’s dog could not clear Chaotic Lynda on his inside. The pair remained inseparable for a circuit and Clipper was toiling when 7-1 shot Millwards Master joined them at the fifth bend. Clipper hit the deck and Master got home by a short head in a modest 35.67 from Chaotic Lynda. The tricast paid £232.42.
The story of the second semi is simply told. It was dominated by the two outside boxes. Although Swift Whirlwind (6-4f) came away well, Kevin Hutton’s least fancied runner, and 9-2 chance Jet Stream Sound, seized the initiative at the first bend and then was never challenged to win in the fastest of night, 35.08.
While the third qualifier went to Patchys Kerry (5-1). The Champion Stakes winner came on a bundle from her first run and outpaced Jet Stream Jack on the run to the first. The odds-on Jack was never traveling well and it was left to Bubbly Gold (4-1) to follow home Mark Wallis’ impressive winner who got home by nearly six lengths in 35.25.
Draw for Wednesday’s £5,000 final 1 Patchys Kerry (11-4) 2 Bubbly Gold (8-1) 3 Millwards Master (12-1) 4 Chaotic Lynda (9-2) 5 Jet Stream Sound (m) (7-4) 6 Swift Whirlwind (w) (4-1)
