Two winners. A forecast. Joint fastest qualifier. THREE finalists.
Not a bad night’s work. Yet trainer John Mullins still reckons Derek Knight’s Shotgun Bullet is the one they have to beat in next Friday’s Coronation Cup decider at Romford.
“I’m obviously delighted with how my dogs ran, specially as I’ve fancied Romeo Mandate (3rd semi winner) from the start” said the Yarmouth attached handler. “Droopys Who and Oakfield Caesar have been great servants, with Caesar now lining up in another big final. But I’ve been massively impressed by Shotgun Bullet and the draw could be crucial”.
Coronation Cup first semi, crowded first bend, L-R: King Eden (t6) Boylesports Duke (t5) Oakfield Caesar (t4) Romeo Desperado (t2), Shaneboy Freddie (t3) and winner Droopys Who (t1 against rail).Photo: © Steve Nash
Shotgun Bullet (11-8) was indeed a good winner of the second semi, quickly going clear as trap 4 proved the undoing of fastest heat winner Murrys Act (11-10f) who was on the back foot from the start. Paul Crowson’s Liam Og battled from fifth at halfway to take second behind the 34.95 (+30) winner.
SHOTGUN BULLET (t3) leads at the first bend in the Coronation Cup semis from Saleen Ash (t6). Murrys Act (t4) is almost hidden behind t6. Runner up Liam Og (t2) is at the back.Photo: © Steve Nash
A fast break saw Romeo Mandate (7-4f) clock a 13.60 sectional (one spot quicker than Bullet) on his way to an identical overall time, coming home clear of Dean Childs’ Droopys Martial.
Droopys Who (7-1) made the most of an inside draw to beat kennelmate Oakfield Caesar in 35.52 (+30) in a messy opening semi which saw fancied King Eden and Boylesports Duke both go out.
ROMEO MANDATE (t2) takes a first bend lead in the Coronation Cup semis, going on to win in joint fastest 34.95 (+30). Droopys Martial (t5 top left, in arrears early) chased him home. Photo: © Steve Nash
Final draw:
Derek Knight was also on the mark with Maireads Ivy, her 46.71 (+50) proving fastest in the heats of the 750m Mitch Millward Marathon renewal, held in honour of the popular owner.
Leading early from a tricky looking draw, the in-form Crayford Kent St Leger and Boxing Day Marathon star was always holding the persistent challenge of TV Trophy winner Goldies Hotspur in an exciting buckle. Mark Wallis’ Leger champ Rubys Rascal and Patrick Janssens’ Barricane Tommy were the other two heat winners, leading home Rylane Dash and Millroad Smokey respectively.
MAIREADS IVY (t4) leads Goldies Hotspur (t6) at the penultimate bend in the Mitch Millward Marathon heats.
Photo: © Steve Nash
