If there had been an ante post book on the 58th Yarmouth Championship.Lann Jacob (Hondo Black-Swift Rush, Oct 12) would probably have headed it and John Mullins’ black fully justified that market position when landing the fastest of the three semi finals.
Chasing a four-timer, the 5-4f showed good determination to lead up from Adamant Rosaleen (T1) and Big Dee (T3). While Jacob was dominating from the front, Droopys Rum (T1) was running an absolute stormer. Last at the first bend, where he was forced to check, Jim Daly’s black railed brilliantly to find himself in third place along the backstraight and was still four adrift at the third bend. But showing a great drive on the run-in, Rum got to within three quarters of a length of the winner (it was a length when they met in the first round) who clocked 28.45 (-20)
John Mullins had two runners in the first semi final, but it was the lesser fancied Babading (7-2), running from trap four, who would dominate after taking the lead on the run to the first bend. He was pursed by his orange jacketed kennelmate Rorys Way (9-4f) though the latter’s more scenic route around all four bends would eventually cost him a qualifying spot. that eventually went to Dairy Rumble (T4) who was last at the third bend but was only beaten three lengths behind the 28.49 (-20) winner.
Outdoor Rumble was made the 11-10f to win the third qualifer for Mullins, but was soon in trouble as Irene Barndard’s Creepy King (Cuil Cougar-Smoke Pixie, Jan 14) slipped his field at the first bend. The favourite found first bend trouble and spent the rest of the race trying to extricate himself from the pack. It was all too late as King crossed the line with nearly four lengths to spare behind the 28.51 (-20) winner.
