Another Command performance in Blue Riband?

The prestigious Blue Riband reaches the semi final stage this afternoon at Towcester.

The last three finals have been shared by Mark Wallis and his former assistant Patrick Janssens. Both will fancy their chances of having runners in next week’s decider.

Newinn Syd is the 9/2 second favourite in the ante post betting following a first round run that was impressive enough, considering he had to battle away on the inside after being uncharacteristically slow away. Having said that, it may not have been quite as tardy as it first appeared given that Tommys Boss (T4) clocked the quickest split of the day (4.07). We also know that he can do this. Syd has only run from the black jacket twice before, once in the Olympic Final, and once, at Towcester where he produced a much quicker start (4.08) as a pup last year.

The other heat winner, Ower Mystery, didn’t show a great deal of early pace though he clearly showed an inclination to rail – if he gets the chance -from an even worse draw. Wasted Monday ran well, albeit after being well held by Syd. Sel 4-6-2

 

The second semi features three heat winners including the ante post favourite Romeo Command and would have made a cracking final. Romeo Command WILL go to traps as favourite, not only, but also because of this run last week.

The Derby runner-up is running as well as ever, and a glance at his career statistics justify his reputation. He is breaking as well as ever as will exit the same white box as he did a two runs ago when breaking the track record.

Savana Shay did not trap particularly well but was accelerating away and past the opposition with every stride to the bend. He would have been a much bigger obstacle for the favourite with the traps reversed.

This isn’t really Swift Iconic’s track or distance, albeit he did well to plug away to win his heat last week. But there is more quality in here, and he may struggle. On all known form, he can’t hold off the favourite and he may not hold off Burj Khalifa for a minor place if they latter shows a bit more speed than last week – which he is well capable of. Sel 3-4-6

 

The weakest of the semis and one which Signet Goofy can dominate. His technique isn’t complicated. As he showed last week, he blasts away and runs his heart out. Given the complications that seem likely to occur on the inside of the track, he looks the most likely to get a clear run. Wrighty ran Droopys Clue to a short head in the Juvenile Classic, Whyaye Man landed the Derby Plate, though both have the potential to damage each other’s chances. Sel T6-T1-T2

Top Run Maverick

Eighteen month old Keefil Maverick produced a sensational performance to clock the fastest semi final of the BGBF British Bred Puppy Cup semi final at Oxford.

Contesting just his fourth race, the 8/15f dominated from the front before going to within 11 spots of Coolavanny Shado’s track record. Owner/trainer/breeder Phil Milner completed the forecast with Keefill Goose in second place.

Romford Puppy Cup third Romeo Cypher, four months and ten races more experienced, landed the second semi final in 26.70.

Blaze on his Marks for Cesarewitch

Garfiney Blaze took almost five lengths off his own track record with an emphatic win in Saturday’s ARC Cesarewitch semi finals.

Aided by a slow break, he avoided an early clash with Bradys Bullet before pulling away for a three and a half length win over that rival. The winner’s time was 44.55 on a track rated -30.

There was a big shock in the opening qualifier when joint outsider Alright Gordy made all at 14/1. It turned out to be an Oxford forecast with Ela Maestro running on for second and Garfiney Blaze’s marathon runner sister Ballymac Taylor back in third.

(Apologies for quality of graphics)

Champion trainer Mark Wallis will field half of next Saturday’s field. Here are his thoughts.

Trap draw for the final: 1) Ela Maestro  2) Ballymac Taylor 3) Bradys Bullet  4) Garfiney Blaze  5) Mad For Sterling  6) Alright Gordy

(Apologies full form not available)