The first round of the 2016 William Hill St.Leger can best be described as ‘interesting’. The first round entry of 39 was further reduced to 37 following the withdrawals of Droopys Smasher (season) and Swift Hansel (late arrival). Of those only 34 would complete the course. So what did we learn?
The star of the night would be reigning champ Fizzypop Buddy who covered the 687m in 41.63 (-15) in the final heat – good omen – he won last year’s opening round in 42.03 (-30) before progressing onto a best of 41.49 in the final. As expected, Shelbourne 575 record breaker Milldean Puma did not stay the 751.3 yards, any better than he stayed the 750 at Harolds Cross.
Ante post favourite Cloran Paddy did stay – a length slower than Buddy. Charlie Lister’s runner – understandably – looked tired on his first run over the trip after clocking the night’s fastest sectional. He now has a week to recover. If he does, he would be expected to find a couple of lengths in natural improvement next time over course and distance. More, if the going is fast.
Ante post favourite Rubys Rascal had not seen the circuit prior to the first round and connections would have been delighted with his narrow defeat by 41.85 winner Slick Sebastian in the sixth heat.
Irish entry Jaytee Patriot was never going to be beaten if leading – he doesn’t always come away – and he won in some style from Billys Bullet in 41.91. The race saw the demise of Diego Flight whose lack of time for preparation was exposed in the latter stages. Although eliminated, the workout should hopefully, have no ill-effects.
Anitas Baby (4-11f) was next quickest in 41.93 in the four-runner fifth heat. Maireads Field had opened proceedings with a 42.03 run for Derek Knight. Huarache Madison clocked a disappointing 42.13 with a far from disappointing performance and will surely progress from the race. So too surely will Romany Rouge, returning from a break, but unable to catch 42.37 winner Strides Hugo.
(Second round draw below)
