Local hero Savana Donie (Ballymac Vic-Blackwater Bride, Apr 14) produced the performance of the night in the first round of the RPGTV Henlow Derby.
Jason Bloomfield’s Gold Cup runner-up clocked the third fastest sectional of the night (3.67) on his way to recording a winning time of 27.21 for the 460m. It was the fastest of his 16 wins in 33 races over course and distance. Corrin Mall was two lengths second with Produce Stakes winner King Elvis scraping through by a short head in third.
Kent Derby winner Bockos Alfie (Droopys Scolari-Ballymac Scarlet, Jul 14) was just eight spots slower in the next fastest time of the night.
Seamus Cahill delivered three Derby hopefuls and will return with two of them. Crossfield Giles (Sparta Maestro-Crossfield Betty, May 15) looked a serious player when taking the opening heat in 27.36. While 4-6f kennelmate Droopys Gold lost nothing in defeat with a brave rearguard action to follow home Pam Dolby’s 27.47 winner Quantum Leap (Superior Product-Mays Bonus, Oct 15).
The remaining two heats were both won in 27.57. Cappoquin Jack (Top Honcho-Swift Vicki, Aug 14) was a fortunate winner after Parkers Dynamite chose to attack the fading Westmead Chief off the last bend. While Jim Reynolds’ Brocatsea Hoops (Romeo Recruit-Borna Gem, Oct 14) held off an impressive Forest Chunk by a short head.
