The bookies are defying semi final form when pricing up the final of next Thursday’s Ladbrokes Stayers Classic. They have installed Ballymac Ramsey as the 7-4f despite an ‘every chance’ defeat by Fearsome Phantom (Westmead Hawk-Hesley Hawaii, May 14) on Thursday night. The white jacketed Ramsey started at 4-5f and crossed the 220m sectional in 12.43 before being hauled in by Pat Rosney’s 11-4 chance who came home with a length and half to spare in 37.89 (-40) for the 630m. The Rosney runner is quoted as a 2-1 chance for the final.
On semi final times Shallam Delarno (Westmead Hawk-Woodhill Spark, Nov 13) is the fastest in the final. Jimmy Wright’s 4-6f always looked comfortable after following Melodys George (T2 4-1). The wide runner swept clear less than a circuit run and pulled away for a near two length victory in 37.81 (-40).
Belstone Fox (Hondo Black-Perrys Lace, Sep 13) won the slowest qualifier (38.19) after overtaking Killduff Toby (T4 16-1) on the run up. Pam Dolby’s wide running 7-1 chance held off Ferryforth Fran (T5 6-4f) by a narrowing half length with Billy Bullet (4-6f T3) finding the trip on the short side at this stage of his career.
Shellam Delano is rated a 5-2 chance for the final with 10-1 ferryforth Fran, 12-1 Belstone Fox and 20-1 Melodys George
