TOWCESTER stages the final of the Orchestrate Juvenile Classic on Sunday with three members of the same litter still dominating the betting, despite the fact two of the brothers – Annadown Warrior and Annadown Shadow – suffered odds-on defeats in the semis.

Having won their heats comfortably, the littermates were widely expected to oblige in Sunday’s semis but both were beaten at odds-on – one of them by another brother!

First up was Annadown Warrior (Maxine Locke) in the opening semi who, after a slow start, managed only third behind the Paul Young-trained pair of Bowmers Buddy and Underground Matt. The former, an August 24 son of Callaway Pro Am and Droopys Charm, pegged back his pace-setting kennelmate before the third bend for a one and three-quarter length success in 29.10sec (-20) for the 500m trip.

Annadown Shadow fared slightly better in the second semi-final as he finished second behind the Patrick Godfrey-trained Arthur Bitter, another brother. The September 24 son of Grangeview Ten and Annadown Cutie was quick to stride and kept up the pace all the way to the line for a length success over Annadown Shadow and third-placed Venetian Mario (John Campbell) in 29.18sec (-20) for the 500m trip.

Winning trainer Godfrey was delighted with how his runner, having just his third UK start after a four-from-four record in Ireland with wins at Shelbourne and Galway, fared.

He said: “I bought ‘Bitter’ out of the Gerry Dillon kennel after most of the litter had been sold. He’s a little bigger than his littermates so no doubt needed a tad more time.

“I qualified him at Towcester with a view to racing him in the puppy competition around the Derby but unfortunately he wasn’t accepted so his debut for me was delayed.

“He’s therefore only had three runs for me, all at Towcester, winning two – and he’s loved it! Ideally he needs to be close to the rails so was I more than happy that he got through the heats from trap four, which didn’t suit.

“He trapped beautifully from two in the semi-finals and showed more of what he can do. Hopefully he can do it from three in the final. He’s a gentleman of a dog and a joy to be around – and I’m looking forward to the final. Good luck to all.”