Matt Dartnall’s Brenfordpenguin stepped up in trip to excellent effect at Hove last night, winning a strong puppy race around Hove’s 500m oval. Carl Gardiner’s Clairekeiths, Santi and Remi, eased through to next week’s 515m final of the dual distance with impressive wins in the 500m heats.
Neon Moon kept on well for Derek Knight to take the first race of the evening out of Box 2, ahead of grade dropper Chunky But Funky in the orange jacket for Carl Gardiner. Diggers Bandit took third for Norah McEllistrim.
Supathomasfrank took the second after taking charge on the back straight. Richard Rees’ stayer made no mistake, finishing well ahead of Rees’ other runner, Scooby The Comet in the black jacket. The ‘Fans Bee United’ group will be hoping that this is a good omen ahead of the Puppy Race where Brenfordpenguin steps up to the 500m trip for the first time.
The third race, an A2 over 500m, went to Jason Heath with Newinn Shiner by the narrowest of margins. Newinn Shiner held on despite a desperately late lunge by Punkrock Warrior in the blue jacket.
Brentfordpenguin duly obliged in the puppy race despite Mark Burridge’s concerns over the extended trip tonight. “I’m not sure, he’ll get the trip. It’s a bit further than he’s used to,” he told me ahead of the race. Ellen Gilpin was delighted to be asked to look after him for the race.
1st. 3 Brentfordpenguin 15/8
2nd. 5 Doodlebug Lad 1/1
3rd. 2 Gary The Arb 9/2
Winning Trainer: M J Dartnall / Winning Owner: Fans Bee United
Sporting Pegasus made all to land a personal treble over the 695 trip ahead of Matt Dartnall’s pre-race favourite Move Over Ogie, who never quite challenged. Droopys Moose caught the eye as he finished strongly for Jamie Kinsley. He might be one to watch over this and the longer trips.
Clairkeith Santi dominated the first Heat of the Dual Distance Trophy, finishing ahead of Touchdown Cammy and Laughil Ollie.
Droopys Ambush showed great pace from the outside box to turn first ahead of a determined Atomic Gun in Heat 2 of the Dual Distance. Although Atomic Gun climbed all over the back of Matt Dartnall’s black dog, Droopys Ambush managed to find the reserves to hold him off Atomic Gun with the 6/4F, Uncle Freddie overcoming all sorts of scrimmaging out back to finish third.
Clairekeith Remy broke well in Heat 3 for Carl Gardiner and made all impressively ahead of Chasing Tommytee who was always second but made little impression on the winner.
Alal Alal Alan was a popular winner of Race 9 for trainer Stuart Maplesden and the Flyaway Syndicate, who were very pleased with the time of 29.43.
Lightfoot Falcon won the 695 Stayers in good style and going away for Seamus Cahill.
Antigua Sun won the 285m sprint in fine style, beating a good field for Jason Heath. A smart 16.33 was probably the pick of this evening’s runs.
The draw for the final of the Dual Distance was announced. Here it is in full.
Millbank Aoife took the last, a maiden open, for Jamie Kingsley.
