PATRIOT SETS THIRD BEND STANDARD IN DERBY
Ian Fortune
As has become tradition, we will look back at the third bend sectionals after each round of the BOYLE Sports Derby and the dog to take the honour of going fastest in the opening round was Droopys Patriot as he posted a rapid 16.93 on Friday night.
Robert Gleeson’s charge was ultra-impressive, leaving some talented rivals chasing shadows. It was made even more impressive when you consider he was headed at traps by the fast-starting Faypoint Harvey but there was no stopping Patriot. Showing wonderful acceleration, the Irish Sprint Cup runner-up posted a 3.38 first split on his way to a most impressive victory.
Next fastest to the third turn and the only other greyhound to dip under the 17-second mark was Bombay Pat as he recorded 16.96 on his way to a fastest of the round 29.27 in victory. He too was racing on Friday.
Of course, Bombay Pat was also one of the fastest opening round winners in last year’ opening round and it goes to show the consistency of the very best in training with the Graham Holland trained star clocking 16.93 last year, some three spots faster than his latest run.
champion as regards the opening round was Bockos Diamond. He posted a sizzling 16.85 to the third turn despite making only a moderate start. It’s also notable that he went seven spots faster overall this year, confirming he is as good as ever.
The fastest of Saturday’s competitors was Lennies Dream. She was electric from traps and maintained tremendous gallop throughout, posting 17.04 to the third turn before going on to win in 29.37.
Reigning champion Bockos Diamond wasn’t at his brilliant best in his opening round defeat but did run a very encouraging race behind Epic Ace. As it happens, the duo were side by side at the third bend marker with both posting 17.06.
Considering, Bockos Diamond holds the record third bend sectional with a scarcely believable 16.58 in last year’s semi-finals, it shows how much improvement there is to come from the brilliant son of Dorotas Wildcat.
Others to move particularly well to the third turn included Ballymac Danica, Hackney Corner, Rolo Tokyo, Magical Keith, Carrick Scholsey, Solo And Go, Oreo Ollie and Magical On Fire.
A full breakdown of the third bend leaders for each of the 26 opening round heats can be found below:
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Leaders Clocks (Fastest to Slowest): |
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1st round |
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Droopys Patriot (F) |
16.93 |
|
Bombay Pat (F) |
16.96 |
|
Lennies Dream |
17.04 |
|
Bockos Diamond (F) Epic Ace (F) |
17.06 (Inseparable) |
|
Ballymac Danica |
17.06 |
|
Hackney Corner (F) |
17.07 |
|
Rolo Tokyo |
17.08 |
|
Magical Keith |
17.09 |
|
Carrick Scholsey |
17.11 |
|
Solo And Go |
17.16 |
|
Oreo Ollie (F) |
17.17 |
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Magical On Fire |
17.17 |
|
Proper Heiress (F) |
17.20 |
|
Cheap Sandwiches (F) |
17.22 |
|
Seven Beach (F) |
17.22 |
|
Swords Style (F) |
17.22 |
|
Ballymac Axel |
17.22 |
|
Faypoint Ranger |
17.27 |
|
Cheque For Cash (F) |
17.28 |
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Headleys Trump |
17.28 |
|
Hopes Teddy |
17.30 |
|
Lookandlep (F) |
17.32 |
|
Callaway Five |
17.38 |
|
Brickhill Moana (F) |
17.49 |