A BRIGHT START FOR IRELAND AT TOWCESTER

Ian Fortune

The Star Sports/ TRC English Derby began at Towcester on Thursday evening and the Irish made a very bright start, sending out four winners, including the three fastest winners of the session. De Lahdedah set the standard with a massive 28.78 return but Irish Derby champion The Other Kobe and the Paul Hennessy trained duo of Jaytee Etienne and Boylesports Bob also greatly impressed.

 

LAHDEDAH GOES FASTEST

De Lahdedah was something of a drifter on the night with many of those in the UK willing to take him on but they were left licking their wounds as the powerful son of Lenson Bocko raced to an emphatic seven and a half-length success, albeit with a dream run around the opening turn.

Not the fastest into stride, he improved his pitch into the bend, only to be left in front as those on his outer, including Ireland’s Ower Cracker, clashed. Once going to the front, the brilliant tracker ease clear to claim his first win since early March and just his second win this year. Sadly, Ower Cracker could never recover from his opening bend traffic problems, finishing fifth.  

 

ETIENNE IMPRESSES

Paul Hennessy would have floated out of Towcester following the hugely impressive victories of Jaytee Etienne and Boylesports Bob with both coming from behind to win their respective heats. Jaytee Etienne was a 9-2 choice in the opening heat of the round and seemed destined for a supporting role as 5the favourite Newinn Syd set the pace.

The son of former Derby champion Jaytee Jet had other ideas, however. Only third into the back straight, he flew down the back straight to move second at halfway. Flying up the fence into the third turn, he shot to the front between the last two bends before easing on to win by two and a half lengths over Newinn Syd in 28.85. It was a hugely impressive success. The Peter Cronin trained Azurite made an encouraging start to her Towcester campaign, finishing just two lengths further back in third.   

 

BRILLIANT BOB SHOWS REAL POWER

Boylesports Bob later completed the double for Hennessy in the final heat. It was a truly power-packed display from the son of Goos News. Fourth into the back straight, he began moving through the gears as they approached halfway.

Mircale set the pace out front but it was clear Boylesports Bob was going to account for that rival when moving second into the third turn. Both he and Singalong Dolly ran on fast to move past the leader on the run in. Boylesports Bob stopped the clock in 28.87 with Pat Buckley’s Cesarewitch champion Singalong Dolly two and a half lengths away in second.

 

KOBE SHOWS HIS CLASS

The Other Kobe was the slowest of the Irish trained winners but the Derby champion impressed despite the clock. Showing tremendous early dash, the brilliant Graham Holland trained son of Ballymac Best was in complete control by the second turn and coasted home two and a half lengths clear in 29.23. Graham Holland also saw Faypoint Harvey progress in third, while another kennel companion Riverside Pingu was eliminated in fourth.

 

MCNEILL AND DUKE QUALIFY

McNeill qualified for Paul Hennessy in Heat 2, finishing runner-up to Crafty Shivoo. John Byrne’s Grouchos Duke also qualified after running well in defeat. He actually hit the front down the back straight before running out of steam on the run in. He will no doubt come on for the run.

 

NO LUCK FOR JIM AND AWESOME

Sadly, Ballinabola Jim and Barefoot Awesome were out of luck in Heat 3, finishing fifth and sixth after finding early traffic. 

 

 

EXPECT MORE IRISH SUCCESS IN ENGLISH DERBY

 

 

After sending out four winners in the opening session, the Irish can expect further success as the Star Sports/ TRC English Derby continues at Towcester this evening. There is a total of nineteen Irish representatives on show including the defending champion Gaytime Nemo.

It hasn’t been all plain sailing for the powerful tracker since his victory in the classic last year but he looks likely to have a big say in the final heat of the night. Drawn in three, he should go close if coming away on terms.

 

FOUR FOR IRELAND

There are four Irish trained runners in Heat 11, the first of the evening’s ten heats. Favourite to come out on top is Queen Joni, one of the very best in the UK, but she will need to be on her toes with Ireland represented by three-time classic winner Clonbrien Treaty, his kennel companion Faypoint Sean, the brilliant early paced Hopes Hurricane and Jim By Two.

Given her experience around the track and her very obvious talent, Queen Joni is perhaps the one to beat but Clonbrien Treaty can give her plenty to think about.

 

FINN FACES TOUGH TEST

2022 Boylesports Derby runner-up Ballymac Finn is Ireland’s sole hope in Heat 12. He faces a kind draw on the fence but may have to settle for a supporting role behind the Derby favourite King Memphis.

 

CAN CRYSTAL SHINE?

There are three Irish runners in Heat 13 with Ballinabola Jim, Bockos Crystal and Hawkfield Blue all respected. Bockos Crystal is selected to emerge as the best of the Irish.

 

BOB HAS CLAIMS

The promising Rapido Bob lines out in Heat 14 for Peter Cronin. Given his rapid progression, the son of Dorotas Wildcat is chosen to make the frame, while it would be no surprise if he were to come out on top.

 

STEEL AND DAPPER CLASH

The Graham Holland trained Romeo Steel and Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Dapper have big claims in Heat 15. This is now a four-dog contest and both should qualify. Romeo Steel is the even money favourite at present with Ballymac Dapper the 7-4 second choice, highlighting the strong hand of the Irish.

 

REX LOOKS THE PART

The brilliant Swords Rex is back in Derby action in Heat 16. A beaten finalist last year, he made a winning return last time, making every inch and he can repeat that form at the expense of the Pat Buckley trained Coolavanny Otto. The duo dominate the market and can finish first and second.

 

CHELM TO RETURN TO WINNING WAYS

There is more English Derby form on view in Heat 17 with 2022 runner-up Mr Chelm Ireland’s sole runner.  The Peter Cronin trained star retains all his ability and can justify favouritism.

 

HAWK TO FLY

Antigua Hawk is one of Ireland’s more interesting runners. He is one of two runners for the emerald isle in Heat 18. Flanked by slow starters, the Pat Buckley trained youngster should have room to race in the early yards and can justify his lofty reputation. Hawkfield Abbie is well-housed on the fence for Ginger McGee and can also progress.

 

SUSIE TO OBLIGE

Graham Holland has two runners in Heat 19 with Faypoint Susie and Newinn Port dominating the market. Faypoint Susie is perfectly housed on the fence and can make every inch at the expense of her kennel companion.