Russanda Blue’s graduation from top grader to successful open racer continued apace at Sheffield on Tuesday when the bitch turned in a noteworthy performance to land the British Bred competition.
Despite having had to contest the decider just three days after winning a re-run final heat because the original qualifier a week before was voided due to trap failure, she came with a strong finish to overpower the favourite, Southern Ramsy and take the prize by a length and a quarter in 28.13(+10) for the 480 metres.
Trainer Elaine Parker indicated that she would enter Russanda Blue for the Stones Bitter Queen Mother Memorial, which starts at Sheffield on March 10 and if all goes well in that take a decision on the Pinpoint Health and Homecare Three Steps To Victory at the end of next month.
The home team was also flexing its muscles in the build-up to the Stones Bitter Queen Mother Memorial with all three Trial Stakes going to local racers.
Harry Crapper’s Dinzeo completed a hat-trick in his race, winning by more than six lengths in a good 38.86 on +20 going for the 660 metres, but Russ Warren’s Swift Curie was not far behind as she posted a 38.96 in beating Crapper’s Worsboro Phantom by two and a quarter lengths, and there was a celebration in Tony McKenna’s kennel when Kilpatrick Ted landed his Trial Stakes in 39.37.
