Phoenix romps into Yarmouth Derby final
Bubbly Phoenix: seven lengths win in his East Anglian Derby semi
PICTURE: STEVE NASHPAUL YOUNG, who has developed an air of momentum is his bid to try and close on the otherwise runaway Mark Wallis for the Trainers Championship, had another great evening when landing both semis of the Ladbrokes East Anglian Derby at Yarmouth.
Bubbly Phoenix, who has taken so well to Yarmouth and is unbeaten in the event, was easily the fastest with a sparkling 27.27sec run in the second semi, winning by seven lengths, chased home by rank outsider Guinness Dusty and Fifis Legend. Main danger Loughteen Blanco had turned second, but was crowded a couple of times before tiring into fourth place, missing out on the decider by a head as the chasing pack bunched.
The other semi went to Bubbly Phoenix's kennelmate Millwards Matt, who is also unbeaten in the Category One.
You Mind Me had set a hot pace, but flagged turning for home, and in a thriller, Millwards Matt got up to beat a unlucky Taylors Sky (baulked when going well at the third bend) a short head in 27.77sec, with Pennys Midas going through in third.
Thursday's winner receives £15,000.
The draw (live on Sky Sports): 1 Taylors Sky 2 Pennys Midas 3 Fifis Legend 4 Guinness Dusty (w) 5 Bubbly Phoenix (w) 6 Millwards Matt (w)
Mark Wallis will have been pleased with Blonde Fletch, who was fastest in the two heats for the 659m Derby Purse. He clocked 40.49sec in an easy win. Mays Harvestmoon (40.63sec) took the other eliminator.
Fernhill Jess was fastest in the Magners Sprint, taking the opening heat in 16.48sec.
Draw for Wednesday’s finals (live on SIS)
– Magners Sprint: 1 Rathanny Ruso, 2 Shades Of Nobby, 3 Minglers Jaguar, 4 Kinda True (m), 5 Fernhill Jess (m), 6 Tip Of The Tail (w).
Derby Purse: 1 Smooth Ace, 2 Blonde Fletch, 3 Carden Twilight, 4 Mays Harvestmoon, 5 Parkers Nemesis, 6 Envy Apple King (m).
HARRY WILLIAMS enjoyed a tremendous night at Newcastle, with his four of his kennel stars, Blue Artisan, Tudor Prince (getting up by a battling short-head to land the Winning Line British Bred Derby final from Denwill Star), Monmore Gold Cup hero Mags Gamble and Drumsna Major all winning on the gala card.
The 9.15pm race was declared void when, due to a power supply issue, the hare failed to pick up sufficient speed going past the boxes - effectively being too short. Although 'the race' progressed, with Ludworth Chart appearing to nail Reluctant Rita on the line, no result was actually declared with the stewards deciding the result had been affected
It was the £1,000 final of the Winning Lines British Bred Puppy Derby and this will be re-run next Saturday.
On an eventful night, Mill Spartacus was disqualfied for fighting after a supporting open.
Lil Collision made all to land the £1,000 marathon, sponsored by Gilmoor Vets, for Jimmy Fenwick.
NOTTINGHAM's finals, part of the RGT gala day, were won by Dynamo Joe (the £400 Betfred sprint) and Boherna Bridge (the £500 J C Steeles dual distance over 680m)
