Roswell Romanov looks plotted up to become the latest inmate of the Wallis kennel to land a Romford ‘Cat 1’ Final.
Running from trap one in the first semi final of the Coral Essex Vase the 4-9f crashed away in front and looked a good bet to win with ease. However the strong finishing Alfies Diamond (T4 4-1) showed incredible pace to draw alongside on the run in. At that stage though he declined to nudge into the leader instead of passing him and Patrick Janssens’ runner was duly disqualified for fighting. The winner’s time was 35.16 and the winning time was a head. Leger winner Ferryforth Fran (T6) finished third.
The second semi saw a 1-2 for another Suffolk handler, but it was the less fancied of John Mullins’ two runners, Oakfield Caesar (T5 8-1) who led up and then held off Peregrine Falcon (T1 1-2f) by two lengths in 35.68.
The last qualifier fell to the locally trained Bubbly Torpedo (T5 9-4f) who clocked the fastest sectional (13.54) on his way to a six length victory over Rio San Marino (T1 9-2) in 35.28
Previous Wallis trained winners of the Essex Vase: Eye Onthe Veto (’06, ’07), Reel Trickyone (’13), Adageo Bon (’15)
