Jaytee Patriot (Godsend-Mays Maska, Apr 14), the fastest quarter finalist in the 2016 William Hill St.Leger quarter finals at Wimbledon, recorded the fastest first round time in the 2017 equivalent at Perry Barr.
Running from trap six, the Paul Hennessy trained 6-4f was led up by Rubys Razzle (T1 9-2) and Strides Hugo (T5 33-1) before hitting the lead early after a lap and leading home Clares Kyletaun by almost two lengths in 42.91 for the 710m. Millroad Smokey (T3 3-1) was third.
Next quickest, in the longest race of his career was Murrys Act (Tullymurry Ace-Brave Maeve, Mar 15). He clocked the day’s fastest sectional (16.08) but appeared at the end of his range with a 42.95 half length victory over Jetstream Lynx (T5 11-4). Kevin Boon’s 10-11f ran in stripes with Swift Slaney (T4 25-1) some four lengths back in third.
The only other runner to break 43.00 was Russelena Reggie (Kinloch Brae-Russelena Barbie, Jul 14) with a 42.98 victory over Rubys Rascal. The draw appeared important here with Reggie (T1 9-4) able to seize the rail after Rascal (T3 4-5f) trapped quicker. Slick Strauss (T2 7-1) finished third. The distances, a length and a half and two and a half.
The opening heat went to Doncaster Leger winner Keplar Nine (Kinloch Brae-Any Time Again, Sep 14) following a lengthy battle with Sawpit Sunshine. The Lister runner got up on the line to win by a neck in the slowest time of the round, 43.28.
Two odds on favourite were eliminated. The first was Pennys Luna (T1 8-11f) in a race won by Shreyas Solitair (Holdem Spy-Wont Fall Behind, Aug 15). The black jacketed winner started at 7-2 and held off Vatican Venice (T6 25-1) by three and a half lengths in 43.14. Surprise Me Bill (T5 20-1) finished third.
The other odds on shot to bite the dust was Cloran Paddy (T1 4-6f) in a heat won by Shaneboy Bowie (Scolari Me Daddy-Shaneboy Daisy, Jul 15). The 43.19 winner went from trap three and started at 6-1. He was followed home by Goldies Hotspur (T4 4-1) and Nanny Cakes (T1 8-1). The distances a neck and two and three quarters.
Slippy Maska (T1) was made the evens favourite to win heat six but was unable to reel in Bubbly McCoy (Droopys Cain-Millroad Mac, Jun 15) after a slow break. Paul Young’s 6-4 chance clocked a decent 16.29 sectional from trap two before holding on to win by just under four lengths in 43.20. Swift Jester (T4 4-1) ran on for third.
Irish staying star Airmount Tess (Brett Lee-Airmount Pearl, Jul 14) outstayed Swift Hansel (T2 7-1) to win her heat in 43.04. Tess (T3 10-11f) was six spots behind Hansel (16.19) at the sectional and six spots quicker after the full trip. Dinnington Lady (T6 5-1) finished third.
All footage courtesy GreyhoundsNow