Jo Burridge landed both semi finals of the Golden Crest at Poole on Tuesday but in greatly differing situations.
The first semi was closely contested by the two 2-1jf market leaders: My Mate Max (T1) and Ninja Diva (T3). Diva (Droopys Scolari-Droopys Force, Sep 13) popped away in front. She was pursued by the Mullins runner who has so far failed to show the early pace that saw him beat Mays Teejay in the Henlow Supersprint semi final. Max nevertheless showed good middle pace to challenge the leader around the top two bends. But Diva took the shortest route and held to win by half a length in 26.57 (+10).
Kennelmate Sky Jack (Kinloch Brae-Gogetemgirl, Aug 13) went to trap five as a 16-1 chance in the second semi. The market leader was Droopys Nissan (T1 5-4f). Frank Gray’s runner was ‘never at the races’ after a slow break in which Skyjack nudged Bill Black’s Castlehyde King (T6) to seize supremacy at the first bend. The pair finished the race in those positions with two and three quarters between them with Slaneyside Pup, a black short head away in third.
Final draw: 1) My Mate Max, 2) Ninja Diva, 3) Kentish Duke, 4) Slaneyside Pup, 5) Skyjack, 6) Castlehyde King
Racing manager Ian Sillence said: “I was worried that we would end up with six railers but we have one wide runner. I think Ninja Diva will probably start favourite, but it is a very open final.”
Trainer are reminded that supporting opens for Saturday’s final card (all distances) close today at noon.
