BUBBLY SPARK lines up as one of two unbeaten runners in Sunday’s Henlow Maiden Derby Final after posting the fastest semi-final time at the weekend.
The Paul Young-trained two-year-old was quickly away in the second semi on his way to posting a rapidfire 3.66sec split before drawing clear to win by eight and three-quarter lengths from Bull Run Bandit (Kevin Hutton) in 27.76sec (-10) for the 460m trip.
The victory followed up an impressive heat win from the Romford dog, who was having just his fourth start in the UK after being bought by Young and the owning Champagne Club Syndicate from Declan Byrne in Clonmel.
Known as Aspen Allegra then, he won both his races at the Co. Tipperary track and impressed Young when he came over.
“He had a few trials at Romford, but we gave him plenty of time to settle in before aiming him at the Monmore Puppy Derby,” said Young. “He went well in trials there, ran a decent heat but was crowded out in the semis.
“We had a slight issue with him afterwards, but that’s sorted and I actually think he’s come back a better dog. He’s really matured and is doing some nice times at Henlow. You’ve always got to do things right in these finals, but we’re happy enough.”
Oi Oi Upenalty, a semi-finalist in last year’s Derby at Towcester for Hayley Keightley, followed up her own heat triumph when producing another strong-running effort to land the first semi-final in 28.06sec (-10), edging out Dalcash Behold (Kevin Hutton).
The third semi-final saw Allison Kelly-Pilgrim’s Deanridge Kane give some consolation to the kennel having seen hot favourite Man Twenty One eliminated from the first semi. The winner led at the third bend on his way to beating Savana Volt (Diane Henry) in 27.81sec (-10).
It means Henlow promoter Kevin Boothby is represented as an owner in the £5,000-to-the-winner Category One final courtesy of Savana Volt, who was bought from Pat Dalton with the Maiden Derby in mind, although his future lies over further.
“He only had two races in Ireland and now two here, but is a stayer,” said Boothby. “He’s a brother of Volcanic Reef and his dam Volcano was a top marathon and stayer in Ireland for Pat (Dalton). She won the old ‘Ted Hegarty’ Marathon at Harold’s Cross.
“I actually think Volt has a dream draw in the final in the red-box and has a chance in a competitive final – and we’re delighted to stage another strong card here at the weekend. It’s a Category One Final and will be supported by heats of the BGBF Scurry heats.”
The latest in a series of British bred-only events, the BGBF Scurry starts at the Bedfordshire track on Sunday with heats over 428m, with the semi-finals the following week and the £4,000-to-the-winner final on Sunday, May 19.