Dean Childs was not too surprised when Droopys Two (Loughteen Blanco-Droopys Cyclone, Feb 14) recorded the fastest of the three semi finals of the Lowther Sakes at Towcester.
The white jacketed 9-4 chance was hugely impressive after a moderate break. She showed great early pace to outrun Live Annie (7-4f) to the first bend when the Cahill runner was squeezed for room but Two was away. She eventually came home some five and a half clear of Annie in a smart 29.44m (-30) for the 500m.
Childs said: “The run didn’t surprise me, she has always been a very fast bitch. Her problem has always been her inconsistent starting but she has clearly taken to Towcester. She has come off fine after the race and I am quite happy with the four in the final.”
The second semi final would have to rate among the most exciting races seen at the track this year – who ever said Towcester favours front running railers?
Greenhill Gem (T4) was the first to show followed by the orange jacketed Airforce Duchess (Definate Opinion-Ranchers Star, Apr 13) and defending champion Forest Twilight (T3 2-1jf) close up. Gem powered away from Twilight with Duchess – who struggles a little in the middle stages – dropping back into third. Twilight showed good pace along the backstraight and it looked to be between the trio going into the the third bend. Meanwhile the other three runners were closing up. Twilight had won the previous year’s final at the peak of her powers and over the 480m trip. Those extra 20 metres would prove crucial as a cavalry charge developed on the run home. Duchess and Gem just got home with Twilight fading and Droopys Folly finishing like an express train. the winner clocked 29.86 with all six runners finishing within two and a half lengths (see full results below).
The amazing Domino Storm (Makeshift-Swift Erin, Sep 12) – quite possibly the most popular runner in training – went to traps as a 1-3f for the 80th race of her career.
But she would find a very decent adversary in Crossfield Molly (T6 6-1) who led her to the first bend before giving away her advantage by taking a wide course. The favourite took full advantage and scooted clear on the inside and the result looked inevitable. But Molly was not living on reputations and made Mark Wallis’ Oaks winner battle for every metre. The pair crossed the line with under a length between them in 29.57 (-30).
