Monmore will stage a run-off between Candlelight Fire (Parker) and Droopys Astorish (Paul Young) to decide the last place in next week’s Ladbrokes Puppy Derby Final. The pair dead-heated for second place behind 28.47 winner Droopys Elite in the first semi final.
Monmore assistant racing manager Paul Johnson said: “Elaine was prepared to go for a coin toss, but because Paul insisted on a run-off his dog would have gone through. So Elaine then agreed to go for the run-off which will take place on Monday, the earliest that it could be arranged after the ‘two clear days’ ruling.”
For most of the race, the likely qualifiers appeared to be Droopys Astorish (T1) and Candlelight Fire (T4), but a stunning last-to-first run by Dean Childs’ Droopys Elite eclipsed the pair of them with a neck to spare.
The biggest shock of the night was the elimination of 4-6f Barricane Bullet in a heat won by Seamus Cahill’s 5-1 chance Ballymac Lyster (Ballymac Bull-Moyar Kite, Jun 14). Patrick Jannsens runner trapped well from stripes and was well placed at the first bend before being shunted sideways by Castell Henry at the bend. There was further trouble at the second bend and Lyster took a decisive lead. He eventually held on by three quarters of a length in 29.13 (-30).
Steve Anderson’s Bramble Magpie (Paradise Madison-Heroes Last Lass, May 14) recorded the fastest time of the night in the second semi final. After disputing the early lead with litter brother Tellhimjohn (T1), Magpie surged clear at the second bend and was never troubled. He got home by one and a bit in 28.29 (-30) from the strong finishing Oscar Whisky (T5)
