Jim Cremin:
ON a day of a wonderful Windsor fairytale, another one that involves the world’s greatest race has got to within just two quick runs away from Saturday week’s final.
There’s 24 left but after rounds this Tuesday and Saturday, we will know the six names that have battled through to the Star Sports-sponsored night of the year.
With the track helpfully running less loose, there were several notable third round performances although the real surprise was the early zip from Crossfield Will, who blasted to a 5.09sec fastest so far sectional in heat three. He was a 7-1 outsider but Peter Cronin, his trainer, also managed to get normally front running kennelmate Whoops Jack through here too and they look reasonably pitched in their quarter-finals.
Sunday night will see an RPGTV panel determine the third and last Performance of the Round award - nominations before 8.30pm to
rpgtv@racingpost.com.
There were several cracking runs on Saturday. The Wildcat and Rising Brandy are previous salver recipients (from their first round tussle) so I guess Crossfield Will, Bubbly Bluebird, King Elvis and Droopys Verve would figure on my own personal short-list . . . although there’s no rule which prevents a second award being handed over.
RM Chris Page rated fastest so far Droops Verve as his pick, but it really depends on the reasons put forward by viewers. The presentation to whoever is chosen will be on Tuesday, before racing, with a VIP table for two for the nominator in the restaurant.
Traffic was generally easier on Saturday but there were roadworks on the A5 near Stony Stratford, between Milton Keynes and Towcester, which led to some delays . . . worth bearing in mind that it was said these are likely to be around for the next couple of weeks.
It was a first visit to Towcester for Ron Hearn, the Racing Post/SIS Manager of the Year. He has ante-post bets running on King Elvis and Innocent Times - both in Tuesday’s second quarter-final. Yet Hearn said of that race: “The Wildcat has a plum draw. It might seem a ‘heat of death’ but this is a special dog and tailor made for here. You know Elvis will move off, the Wildcat can assert at the bend. I also think Verve will play a big hand - his looks a softer third quarter-final.”
He was “very impressed by Towcester, everything was excellent, our meal was first class, viewing is terrific.”
His wife Julie added: “I enjoyed it, there was a good atmosphere, everyone was very friendly.”
Oldest through: Alfies Prince (August 14)
then Bubbly Bluebird (Sep 14)
Youngest: Droopys Verve (June 16)
Heaviest: Noelles Phelpso 38.0kgs,
Crossfield Will 37.8,
Bruisers Bullet 37.6
Lightest: Oi Oi Upenalty (29.5, sole bitch left)
British-breds: Alfies Prince, King Elvis (£2,000 prize to breeder for who goes furthest, prize to be shared in the event of equality)
Closing to entries on Tuesday, heats on Saturday:
Star Sports Champion Hurdle (480mH),
Star Sports Derby Plate (500m).
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