Frank Gray’s Droopys Nissan (Yeah Man-Droopys Hilda, Nov 13) was only 10 spots outside the Poole 450m track record when landing the fastest heat of the Golden Crest on Tuesday.
The 23.91 Romford winner who had trialled twice over the Wimborne Road circuit, disputed the early lead with Ninja Diva before taking up the running. The 2-1 second favourite held on by a length and a half in 26.30, just a length and a quarter outside Daddyknowsbest’s track record. My Mate Max (7-4f) finished third.
Next quickest was Bill Black’s locally trained 14-1 shot Castlehyde King (Hondo Black-Goosabyrnes, Jan 14). The A1 runner produced a career best 26.49 (+10) when holding off Tony Collett’s joint favourite Kentish Duke by a length and a bit.
Perry Barr’s 6-4f Slaneyside Pup (Scolari Me Daddy-Slaneyside Beryl, May 14) had trialled in 26.83 over the Crest course and stepped that up to 26.71 (+10) to beat defending champ Aimnfire by three and a quarter.
Tony Collett’s other entry Lenson Santi (Tullymurry Act-Jaytee Dancer, Dec 13) justified his 6-4 joint favouritism in the last heat. The Derby third round runner took full advantage of trouble on his inside at the first bend and held off Mystical Charlie by two in 26.78 (+10).
