Westmead Joe (27.49), Wise Thought (27.80), Ten Large Down (27.58). Three top class winners of the Henlow Puppy Derby. To them we can now add Bockos Doomie (27.24).
Patrick Janssens’ black and white went into Sunday’s final with a ‘fastest of year’ 27.32 on his card for the 460 metres, with trainer Patrick Janssens predicting he could go even quicker.
In his pre-race assessment racing manager Martin Race suggested Doomie could not expect to lead, but would make his presence felt from the second bend. As Steve Nash’s photo (below) shows, the 11-10f was made to work for his win after another mid-division start. But showing great track craft around the first two bends, he then kicked on to beat Droopys Cannon by just under six lengths.
Patrick said: “Doomie has to be the best pup I have trained. I have been very lucky with dogs like Barricane Bullet and Seaglass Tiger, but Doomie is exceptional. Henlow isn’t his track but how many pups would have been capable of a run like that coming through the field? I could probably count them on one hand.
“His record is five wins from eight races and his only defeats have been in the Derby. I always knew that it would be a tough challenge for him, but I am convinced it was the right decision. It is all very well leading puppy races from trap to line, but they don’t learn anything.
“Doomie is clearly a very intelligent dog as he showed in the first round. He doesn’t go barging into trouble, he waits for the gaps to appear.
“I am delighted for Bev and Austin to end up with a dog of this calibre. They are great supporters of the kennel and Doomie is giving them a real buzz.”
Doomie’s next objective is the Puppy Classic at Nottingham which gets underway on Monday August 12.
Henlow Puppy Derby first bend: Headford Danny t4) and Perrys Choice (t1) dispute the lead with winner Bockos Doomie (t2) close up on the rails. Photo: © Steve Nash
