Towcester host a full card of 14 open races with the feature event being the final on the KAB Maiden Derby.

Racing Manager Andy Lisemore has given his views on the final itself and the six Derby trialstakes (Andy’s c0mments below each race)

 

Andy said: “Ballyhimikin Mel did 29.29 here in November which was some run given her age at the time. She has been off lame but looking at her recent form, she looks as though she could come on for the run.”

 

 

Andy said: “With the one withdrawn, it surely gives a strong chance to Saffrons Dash in two. He hasn’t reproduced his Suffolk Downs form anywhere else so far, but he is the track record holder there and this could be his opportunity.”

 

 

Andy said: “Now this is a ‘proper’ Derby Trialstake. A quick glance at the runners in here and you are reminded that the main event isn’t so far away. I really like Distant Podge in here and if he reproduces or even improves on that 4.18 sectional he could lead all the way. But I know Frank Gray thinks that (Puppy Derby finalist) Makeit The Bear is going to find a few lengths from his trial so it should be a cracking race.”

 

 

Andy said: “I really like Tommys Boss in here. I remember grading him in D3 and he hosed in. He has done nothing but improve ever since. I love his sheer ‘will to win’ But it is a good contest, and the local sales buy Glideaway Hugo is another likely to show improvement.”

 

Andy said: “The final is very difficult to call. I guess Pat Doocey would have preferred his two drawn the other way around. Having said that, I do think Longacres Nutty is good enough to win it.”

First semi    Second semi

Betting: 11-4 Crossfield Cora, Drive On Lad, 3-1 Longacres Pele, 4-1 Longacres Nutty, 10-1 Hopes Woofwoof, 12-1 Garryvoe Rocky

 

 

Andy said: “I quite like Rapido Georgie in here. As for his seeding, it is difficult to say. He is seeded as rails but has run both middle and rails in his trials and races to date. He has good early and we may learn more if he gets on the bunny.”

 

Andy said: “Meenamoynamona wa originally entered for a staying race at Oxford that didn’t fill. Although this is probably not her ideal distance, I still think she could be good enough.”