Something had to give in the hugely competitive second semi final – and it will be Category One winner Castell Henry who heads into Saturday’s 70th Produce Stakes decider at Swindon with an ideal draw.
The clash between Phil Simmonds’ runner and the impressive Westway Hawk was the original battle of the big hitters and it was Angie Kibble’s Hawk (T6) who went to traps as the 4-6f. He trapped well enough and was marginally ahead at the sectional (2.44) but it was the black jacketed Ladbrokes Puppy Derby hero Castell Henry (Kinloch Brae-Tyrur Alice, Apr 14) who took up the running at the bend. Hawk remained well placed along the back straight as Henry’s litter brother Bang On Giles (T2 5-1) took closer order. As they came around the last two bends the favourite faded and Giles ran on for second, a length and a half behind Henry (9-4) who crossed the line in 28.79.
Westway Hawk was the only runner in the top six of the betting not to make the final with the quickest semi going to 4-7f Blissful Scolari (Droopys Scolari-Little Flame, Jun 14). Stayer Meadow pinged from red (2.29 sect.) but was pursed to the bend by the black jacketed favourite (2.41 sect). He soon hit the front and then held on to beat a resolute Thinkingofdarcy (T5 3-1) by a length in 28.54.
Meadow’s litter brother Badabing (Kinloch Brae-Ardrine Lunar, Jul 14) was an even money chance to keep his unbeaten tag in the event, though he did not make life simple for himself. The white jacketed brindle made a hash of the start (2.46 sect.) and had to throw his 33 kilos about to take the lead at the turn. It was then a case of who could recover best from the ensuing bumping and that honour went to the 2-1 second favourite Bansha Rooskey (2.39 sect.) who came home just under seven lengths behind the 28.99 winner.
Trap draw: 1) Badabing, 2) Bang On Giles, 3) Castell Henry, 4) Blissful Scolari (M), 5) Thinkingofdarcy (M), 6) Bansha Rooskey (M).
Joint Racing Manager Dave Stow said: “There are three railers and three middles and it is a case of who makes the bend in front. Castell Henry is seeded rails but goes up straight and looks ideally drawn in three. Westway Hawk, who I am not convinced is a wide runner, appeared to have every chance on the day but didn’t run on.”
Trainers are reminded that open race entries for the supporting card – over all four main distances – close at Noon tomorrow (Tuesday).
