If you were trying to evaluate the performance of fastest Coronation Cup heat winner Sparta Master, you could do worse than make a comparison with Droopys Aoife. Ernie Gaskin’s Champion Stakes winner has produced four almost flawless runs between 35.28 (c) and 35.35 over course and distance. On Friday she clocked 35.31 as Master won in 34.88.
Sharon Thompson’s runner would have started favourite for the December final but for a crane crashing onto the M25 leading to a 12 hour motorway closure with Master caught up in the middle of it. The Coronation Cup offers an early chance of consolation for the track record holder.
Sharon said: “I was pleased with the run. The draw for the semi isn’t ideal, I would prefer three or four, but looking at the dogs around him, he should hopefully get a reasonable run. He isn’t a real pinger from the traps but has very good early. He is in good shape after the race and it would be nice just to see him get through to the final.”
Click on results to watch replays
KENTISH PRINCE (t2) wins the opening Coronation Cup heat from Droopys Mac (t1) and Our Lucky Fool (t3). Photo: © Steve Nash
Coronation Cup heat 2: Tiffield Maximus (t1) goes on from early leader Droopys Toast (t6) at the fifth bend before being outstayed by virtually hidden title holder Desperado Dan (white dog trap2) Photo: © Steve Nash
DROOPYS AOIFE on her way to completing a five timer in the Coronation Cup heats – the Essex Vase champ leading home the Champion Stakes winner Aayamza Express (t1) in 35.31. Photo: © Steve Nash
ROXHOLME JIM (t1) lands Coronation Cup heat 4 from Shotgun Bullet (t4). Photo: © Steve Nash
SWIFT TARQUIN (t2) lands an upset in the concluding Coronation Cup heat, leading home Sheldan (t3) and Roman Empire (t1).Photo: © Steve Nash
