DIAMOND SHARPEST TO THIRD BEND
Ian Fortune
As has become tradition, we will take time to reflect on the third bend clocks after each round of the Boylesports Derby and the 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 goes to highlight his brilliance and why is justifiably a warm favourite to land the Derby. He woul go on to clock 29.23 to set the standard in Friday’s heats.
The two next fastest runs to the third turn came from Carrick Aldo and Bombay Pat. Both also dipped under the 17 second barrier, something that was achieved only twice through the entire 2023 Derby. Remarkably, on the first night of this year’s classic it was broke three times.
Carrick Aldo flew around, clocking 16.92 to the third turn before going on to win in 29.40, while Bombay Pat produced a truly incredible run. Despite missing the start, he flew to the front before the corner and went on to clock 16.93 to the third turn on his way to a 29.34 success. With a better start, he could potentially go as fast as 16.80.
Tribal Syd was fastest of Saturday’s competitors to the third turn, clocking a rapid 17.00. He would go on to win in 29.50.
Others to go close to the 17 second ark included Tarsna Maasai (17.03) and Short Grip (17.04). But perhaps the most talked about run on Saturday came from March On Freddie. The UK raider moved with purpose to the turn to lead the field into the back straight.
He posted a slick 17.08 to the third turn but still managed to record a fastest of the round 29.19. His clock between the third turn and the line was 12.11. That is pretty serious.
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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|
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|
1st round |
|
|
|
|
Bockos Diamond (F) |
16.85 |
|
Carrick Aldo (F) |
16.92 |
|
Bombay Pat (F) |
16.93 |
|
Tribal Syd |
17.00 |
|
Tarsna Maasai (F) |
17.03 |
|
Short Grip |
17.04 |
|
March On Freddie |
17.08 |
|
Seven Beach (F) |
17.09 |
|
Kapuka Warrior (F) |
17.12 |
|
Clona Duke (F) |
17.12 |
|
Singalong Dolly |
17.16 |
|
Knockeen Dazzler |
17.17 |
|
Grangeclare Lady |
17.19 |
|
Glengar Martha |
17.19 |
|
Dynamic Force (F) |
17.20 |
|
Ballinabola Jim |
17.22 |
|
Breaghmore Dice (F) |
17.27 |
|
Down To Business (F) |
17.27 |
|
Ballymac Danica (F) |
17.30 |
|
Deelish Nora |
17.32 |
|
Jaytee Craze (F) |
17.35 |
|
Tinahue Pappone (F) |
17.38 |
|
Quarry Boy |
17.40 |
|
In Good Time |
17.44 |
|
Born To Perform |
17.54 |
|
Ballyhimikin Leo |
17.64 |