Last Friday we saw the culmination of the PGR Oaks event at Dunstall Park – and what a brilliant performance throughout the competition by Butlers Lane, writes Peter Walker.
The turn of phrase “you never fail unless you stop trying” has never been more pertinent than applied to her veteran trainer Barry Denby.
He has harboured an ambition to win this competition during his extensive career. Although now in his 70s, he has finally achieved the win he deserves!
It’s easy to laud the top trainers who have financial backers willing to spend large sums of money in pursuit of category one victories.
However, in this case she was purchased by Barry for only £3,000.
What a fantastic success story and good luck in the future for the kennel, with the possibility of breeding with her in the future.
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Coral Gold Collar
There were very impressive winners in the heats of the competition now held at Hove.
Proper Heiress broke the track record in an emphatic front-running display.
Earlier on, Droopys Plunge won in similar fashion to equal the previous record.
Romeo Tomcat swiftly took control to win the last heat in only seven spots slower. The market leaders won five out of six, with only Fire Height Lila giving the layers a little respite by taking the runners-up position.
The first semi-final in the draw that followed has Plunge and Heiress in traps two and four respectively.
The race to the corner looks to be a real battle for supremacy but both are expected to qualify.
Easier task
Romeo Tomcat has an easier task on paper in the second.
The last semi-final pits two heat winners Headford Dane and Texas Jack at opposite ends of the draw.
Throw in Rackethall Brute in four with quick breakers Droopys Trade and String on his inside and it’s a tricky racing puzzle to solve.
Unsurprisingly, the ratings have Proper Heiress at the top of the tree, with Droopys Plunge and Romeo Tomcat not far behind.
In all recent performances, it seems the winner will come from the front three in the betting – but the big question is which one.
Tomcat came into the competition without a recent trial and may even improve on his previous run. He is in fantastic form at the moment and 4/1 is a decent price to win the event outright.
KAB Puppy Collar Final
The form of the Coral Romford Puppy Cup is well represented here, where the litter sisters Scooby Diamond and Aero Najem lock horns again in another final.
Diamond came out on top last month but Najem was boxed out wide in trap six on that occasion.
Back in the black vest position has given her the chance to lead from the front again in the final and currently at 7/2 represents good value.
She is unbeaten at the track but will need another fast break to maintain her winning record.
The favourite Outa The Clouds is starting to realise his potential and now in trap one.
Ollie The Ox has an impressive strike rate in his short career but you can make a case for all six finalists.
The average sectionals are evenly matched so hoping for a clean run race and all come back safe and sound.
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