Poppy puts down Sprint marker

SLINGSHOT POPPY laid down an early marker for the Coral Golden Sprint when scorching the Romford sand before racing on Wednesday night.

On her first look at the London Road circuit the Brian Fairbairn-trained speedster clocked a superb 23.58sec for the 400m trip, with kennelmate Slingshot Gazza also going well with a 24.01sec spin.

Both have now been entered for the £10,000 event, which kicks off a week today, and Fairbairn is understandably excited. “She’s a good bitch, we’re just trying to keep her right and ticking over,” he said yesterday.

“We trialled her at Sunderland because the traps are the same as at Romford.

“She came out on her nose slightly when trapping on Wednesday and I’d expect her to improve – particularly on her sectional as she has frightening early pace.

“Slingshot Gazza has been cramping slightly so the sharp 400m trip will suit him. He moved well but definitely left a length or two on the track.

“Both checked out fine this morning and travelled well. I’ve entered them both and now we’re looking forward to racing there next week.”

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