Liz two, John two, Ernie. . . .one. But not THAT one! Kevin one.
The elimination of ante post favourite Droopys Addition proved the big shock of the Ladbrokes Puppy Derby semi finals at Monmore.
Ernie Gaskin’s 4-7f appeared to be ‘a penalty kick’ to qualify in the third semi final. He was ideally drawn in red, with an empty box on his outside. But he was clearly struggling throughout and eventually finished last.
The winner was kennelmate Newinn Jacko (T6) who led home Droopys Premier (T5) in a time of 28.25 (-40). They were followed home by Droopys Catch (T4), Killeacle Gus (T3).
Ernie said: “I can’t find anything wrong with Droopys Addition this morning, though there is clearly something amiss. He finished sore a trialstake a couple of weeks ago when a reserve dog cut across him at the traps. We managed to put it right and he went well in the first round, but that seems the obvious place to start when I get him checked over this week.
“As far as Newinn Jacko is concerned, he continues to improve with every run. He has loads of early pace and looks to me like a ‘Yarmouth type’ of dog. He has had to run from the outside so far but is definitely a middle runner and I am more than satisfied with the draw.
“As with every other Monmore Puppy Derby, it is a top class final, and like the others, it will contain future champions.”
The opening heat went in some style to Queen Jessiej (7-4f) who rocketed clear from T3 and was pursued for most of the race by kennelmate King Drake (T6). The Queen eventually won by five lengths in 28.22 (-40). The sextet was completed by King Axle (T4), Droopys Dazzler (T2), Calzaghe Mint (T5).
Assistant trainer Rab McNair said: “That was Jessiej’s fourth win in five races and once again I thought she was magnificent. The only time she was beaten was at Hove and that was my fault, trying to be too clever. I noticed that she moves off a bit a the second bend and thought she might benefit from a middle seeding. She drew trap five and it cost her.
“It won’t be happening again. She is a confirmed railer and I am delighted that she is drawn on the right side of Ernie’s dog. I think he will give her a bit of room on the run up and it should be a good battle to the bend between them.
“King Drake did nothing wrong in defeat and like Jessiej, is improving with every run. These are very inexperienced youngsters. As for Axle, although he is still young, I think the time is right for him to be tried over six bends. He doesn’t have the early and you don’t want to see his confidence affected so hopefully we will be able to get him into a 630 maiden next week.”
The second qualifier had seen a clean sweep for John Mullins as Fantastical (T6) led home Swift Lettuce (T1) with 7-4 favourite Smallmead (T1) missed out after apparently losing sight of the hare at the last bend and swerving wide. The winner’s time was 28.71 and the distance, five lengths and a short head. The field was completed by Ballydoyle Blake (T2), Hather Regal (T4) and Alaskan Dawn (T5)
