The two biggest stars in the Grand National and Kent Derbys both successfully came through their first round work-outs though both were eclipsed by quicker performances.
Razldazl Raidio was many people’s idea of a National winner before the event got underway and Ricky Holloway’s 1-8f didn’t put a foot wrong when winning from trap six in 29.23 (five spots outside his previous track record) for the 480m hurdle course beating Sidarian Blitz (T2 16-1) and Julius George (T1 14-1) by almost seven, and a length.
However, Raidio’s nemesis in the Springbok, Ballymac Manix (T4 11-10f) had set new figures for course and distance earlier in the evening. Seamus Cahill’s runner had led home Reculver Ozzie (T2 12-1) and Priceless Sun (T1 12-1) in 29.17, one spot quicker than one of the Kent Derby heats. The distances were five and a half and two and three quarters. The big departures were Springbok third Kakantu (T6 6-4) and reigning National champ Mo’s Bullet (T4 10-1)
Springbok runner-up Brinkleysdominic (T6 7-4f) was the most high profile jumper in the opening qualifier though he would exit the event in a race won by the locally trained A2 runner Coolavanny Bono (T2 12-1). Contesting only his second hurdle race the Bob Pattinson trained runner beat Rummy Spitfire (T4 25-1) and Soviet Jackson (T2 5-1) by a length and a head in 29.84.
All conquering Bubbly Bluebird (T1 1-3f) stretched his winning sequence to eight in the first round of the Kent Derby. Paul Young’s blue clocked identical splits with Champion Stakes winner Ascot Woodie (T6 10-1) before beating Champion Stakes favourite Starring Storm (T2 10-1) just short of five lengths in 28.77.
However, Bluebird’s time was beaten by the hugely impressive Droopys Who (T3 5-2) on his second UK appearance for Richard Rees. First into his stride was Golovkin (T6 5-2jf) whose 3.17 sectional was the fastest of the night, but Who then took up the running and eventually crossed the winning line with just under four lengths to spare in 28.67 (TR 28.50).
Who’s kennelmate Droopys Acrobat (T3 11-8f) finished third to Sussex Cup winner Barricane Tiger (T2 2-1) with Oakfield Caesar (T6 12-1) finishing between them. The winner clocked 28.92. Crossfield Molly (T5 7-2) finished fifth.
Next quickest was Glencroft Rumble (T3 2-1jf) who beat Baran Jack (T1 8-1) and Teejays Apache (T4 2-1jf). The time 29.00, a length and two and three quarters.
The opener saw Jaytee Spartacus (T3 11-10f) turned over by Peregine Falcon (T1 9-4) with Makeit Bigtime (T5 10-1) back in third. The time 29.09 and the distances a length and two and a half.
The remaining heat looked the most competitive with three 5-2 co-favourites. But it went the way of Kranky Damo (T3 5-1) in a photo finish. Seamus Cahill’s runner got home by a neck from Likeitalot (T2 7-1) with My Mate Max (T1 5-2co.f) a short head back in third. The winner’s time was 29.18
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