Evanta Fantasy (Vans Escalade-Zaras Fantasy, Sep 12) defied a miserable Henlow record to landed the fastest semi final of the Mini Derby on Sunday night.
Mark Wallis’ near veteran who has a sensational Romford record (23 wins from 44 races) ‘boasted’ a Henlow card of 1/10 when she went to traps for the 428m qualifier. But bombing clear off a 1.75 sectional, she made full use of pristine going to clock 25.38 (N), thus beating Bramble Ted by seven lengths.
Fantasy’s time was just half a length outside the course record held by Blackrose June, who went to traps at even money in pursuit of a five-timer. But a moderate break (1.83 sectional, compared to her best of 1.69), left Eric Cantillon’s black with too much to do. The net beneficiary was Bramble Panther (Ballymac Vic-Galtee Ellie, Apr 14). Steve Anderson’s 7-4f chance led up (1.73) and crossed the winning line with a length and a half to spare over the favourite.
Westmead Rossi, the second fastest 460m runner this year went to traps at 4-5f in the four-runner third semi final. But a second consecutive failure to anticipate the start (1.88 sect) left him chasing Savana Lenny (Archaton Pince-Clonkenny Jewels, Jan 13) who popped out in 1.72 and held on by two lengths in 25.53.
