Chris Allsopp’s Veteran (David Bale-Martella, Oct 13) fully justified his even money price tag when land the £400 Maiden Standard at Nottingham on Monday night.
Drawn on the outside, the heavyweight brindle whose Monmore record is two from 14, did well to clear Burnfoot Rumble (T5) at the first bend and was never in danger from that point. He came home with nine lengths to spare over Local Fortune in 29.77 for the 500m.
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The 480m trophy Final proved more of a test for punters with 11-8f Pennys Jess finishing at the back of the field. The £500 first prize was destined for Beckjay Scooby (Ace Hi Rumble-Tyrur Audrey, Sep 12). Jane White’s A1 regular, who only scraped into the decider on a third place finish, led up and repelled all challengers for a 28.67 victory, her best to date over the shorter four bends.
Fabulous Blast (4-6f) clocked the second fastest 730 metre run seen at the track since last July. Unfortunately for punters, Gleneagle Tina‘s (Forest Master-Inslipsvalentine, Jan 13) was one spot quicker with a short head 44.88 (+40) run. The night’s other 730 went to Salacres Peter in 45.77.
Charlie Lister OBE will have the two fastest qualifiers in next week’s Carlsberg Trophy final after 9-2 chance Pennys Rock (Daves Mentor-Deanridge Di, Aug 13) beat kennelmate Sidarian Bullet (6-4f) by a length in 17.64. But Jim Hayton’s versatile Damson Jam (Droopys Scolari-Dalcash Tara, Apr 13) will not be without his own support when completing a four-timer in 17.76 (+20) in the other qualifier.
