Brinkleys Poet (Droopys Scolari-Kilara Lizzie, May 16) put himself into RPGTV Select contention when clocking the second fastest time of the year over the pertinent distance at Nottingham on Monday.
Matt Dartnall’s 29.41 five and a half length winner from Bit View Knight, was only 13 spots slower than Droopys Expert’s FOY, though the Kinsley/Crayford track record breaker may still need to step up on that performance to guarantee an invitation to the £7,500 one-off on July 2.
In what promises to be a very hot ‘Cat 3’ final next Monday, the first 500m qualifier went to locally trained Honour Turbo (Lemon Pumba-Lemon Velvet, Mar 15), who turned over Calico Brandy by just over a length in 29.65. Elaine Parker landed the third qualifier forecast as 5-2 shot Russanda Ripley (Candlelight King-Droopys Knox, Dec 15) beat his litter brotherLightfoot King, also by a length and a quarter, in 29.55 (all +40).
Scottish Derby runner-up Dropzone (Sh Avatar-Bonus, Jul 15) showed glimpses of a return to form with a 28.86 run for the 480m, though the performance of the night went to Boylesports Star (Razldazl Billy-Razldazl Marilyn, Jan 15) over the 680m course.
A 2017 Golden Jacket winner for Dolores Ruth, Star had been beaten in his first five outings (three over shorter distances) for Carol Weatherall. But he looked to be back to somewhere near his best with a 41.21 (+70) victory over Looking Sharp – the fastest time over c&d in more than two years.
*Tipster Mark Pierrepont was among the winners again with Nap Brinkleys Poet returning at 4-7f. Funk Factor (5-4) also obliged though the other selection Madabout Him (5-2) finished down the field.
