Seldom can a team have sent out five winners of a BAGS Track Championship and come away with less of a winning margin than Belle Vue on Wednesday afternoon.

While the host track did not exactly fare badly – 70 points is a par score for a home team with two runners in each race – the Manchester venue only managed only 73 despite hugely impressive 1,837-1 five timer by Scarlet Soze (4-1 juvenile), Flamboyant (2-1 standard), Ballymac Jack (4-1 dog standard), Aclamon Dodo (5-2jf stayers) and Steely Charm (6-1 elite standard).

The key was the mere 23 points amassed by the other nine runners. In contrast, Sheffield with just the one winner, the irrepressible Russanda Roslea (5-4f bitches standard), rallied with three second places and a final score of 41. Yorkshire neighbours Kinsley scored one maxium with Scarto Belle (7-1 sprint) and would have been reasonably satisfied with their 33 points.

The Newcastle leg is up next, but the omens do not look good for the Geordies.

2nd Leg: Sunderland 22, Belle Vue 73, Newcastle 27, Kinsley 33, Sheffield 41

Overall: 95 Belle Vue, 91 Sunderland, 79 Sheffield, 67 Newcastle, 58 Kinsley

To come:

Newcastle          Saturday, October 22nd (AFT)

Kinsley                Sunday, November 13th (AFT)

Sheffield             Tuesday, November 29th (EVE)

ALL PHOTOS STEVE NASH

June McCombe’s Aclamon Dodo (t4) turns for home in the Stayers before securing a short head win over Sheffield’s Geelo Bullet (t5) - one of five winners for the hosts. Bags SIS Track Championship (North). Belle Vue 5th October 2016. Photo: Steve Nash

June McCombe’s Aclamon Dodo (t4) turns for home in the Stayers before securing a short head win over Sheffield’s Geelo Bullet (t5) – one of five winners for the hosts.

BALLYMAC JACK wins the Dogs, first leg of a John Walton double for the hosts. Bags SIS Track Championship (North). Belle Vue 5th October 2016. Photo: Steve Nash

BALLYMAC JACK wins the Dogs, first leg of a John Walton double for the hosts.

Joy Andrews’ FLAMBOYANT is already clear rounding the first bend for the hosts in the Standard, going on to win by nearly five lengths from Sheffield’s Ballymac Sheehy (t1). Bags SIS Track Championship (North). Belle Vue 5th October 2016. Photo: Steve Nash

Joy Andrews’ FLAMBOYANT is already clear rounding the first bend for the hosts in the Standard, going on to win by nearly five lengths from Sheffield’s Ballymac Sheehy (t1).

Sheffield score with Russanda Roslea (who also won at the Sunderland leg for Elaine Parker) as she leads early in the Bitches contest. Bags SIS Track Championship (North). Belle Vue 5th October 2016. Photo: Steve Nash

Sheffield score with Russanda Roslea (who also won at the Sunderland leg for Elaine Parker) as she leads early in the Bitches contest.

Belle Vue’s Scarlet Soze (t2) has just landed a short head win over Helfor Vautour (t1), Apostle (t5) and Holycross Turbo also involved in a blanket finish to the opening race for Youngsters. Bags SIS Track Championship (North). Belle Vue 5th October 2016. Photo: Steve Nash

Belle Vue’s Scarlet Soze (t2) has just landed a short head win over Helfor Vautour (t1), Apostle (t5) and Holycross Turbo also involved in a blanket finish to the opening race for Youngsters.

SCARTON BELLE brings some cheer to her Kinsley supporters by winning the Sprint from Upontheroof. Bags SIS Track Championship (North). Belle Vue 5th October 2016. Photo: Steve Nash

SCARTON BELLE brings some cheer to her Kinsley supporters by winning the Sprint from Upontheroof.

 

STEELY CHARM (t2) leads home Coolavanny Gravy (t6 Sheffield) in the Elite Standard to give Belle Vue their fifth winner of the afternoon and complete a John Walton double. Bags SIS Track Championship (North). Belle Vue 5th October 2016. Photo: Steve Nash

STEELY CHARM (t2) leads home Coolavanny Gravy (t6 Sheffield) in the Elite Standard to give Belle Vue their fifth winner of the afternoon and complete a John Walton double.

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