BALLYMAC MAGS once again impressed in the Bet365 Puppy Oaks at Towcester on Sunday, clocking the fastest time of the two-semi-finals winners over 500m.

 

Angie Kibble’s bitch, a February 2021 daughter of Ballymac Kingdom and Are Nagini, was soon in charge in the first semi as the Swindon youngster showed the best pace of her rivals to lead into the bend.

 

Thereafter, Ballymac Mags never looked likely to be beaten and went away to score by three and a half lengths from Minnie Bullet (Mark Wallis) and third-placed Bubbly Bluebelle (Paul Matthews) who recovered from early crowding. The winning time was 29.67sec (+10).

 

All three now head to Sunday’s £10,000-to-the-winner final at the Northamptonshire venue which revived the GBGB Category One competition for 2022.

 

Fabulous Bling will join them there after the David Mullins-trained bitch landed the second semi-final – upsetting the odds on My Girl Mia in the process.

 

Slowly away, the favourite was always playing catch-up as Fabulous Lynx (Patrick Janssens) trapped in front on her way to a 4.18sec split. However, Fabulous Bling was soon on her tail and challenged for the lead off the second bend.

 

Hitting the front down the far side, the Mullins runner then had to withstand a renewed challenge from Fabulous Lynx and then Selsey Bullet (Belinda Green) before gamely holding the advantage to the line for the win.

 

Fabulous Bling crossed the line three-quarters of a length in front of Fabulous Lynx and Selsey Bullet in 30.03sec (+10)/.

 

Andy Lisemore, Towcester racing manager, is looking forward to Sunday’s final and believes the draw could have a say in the outcome.

 

“We’ve ended up with six railers in the final so naturally you’d have to think the draw could play a part. Both Fabulous Bling in six and Ballymac Mags in five have wider draws than they’ve had in the event – albeit Mags won out of four in the second round.

 

“I think they’ll be happy with the draw for both Bubbly Bluebelle, but only if she traps ahead of Minnie Bullet inside her, and Fabulous Lynx. Selsey Bullet just never gives up and will take her chance if it’s presented to her.

 

“It looks a really competitive final, with plenty of class and plenty of chances. Once again, our thanks to sponsors Bet365. They backed the Empress Stakes here a few weeks ago and this Puppy Oaks field is effectively the Empress Stakes field for 2023!

 

“There’s all to play for and good luck to the connections of all our finalists.”

 

Trap draw for Sunday’s Bet365 Puppy Oaks Final: https://towcester-racecourse.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/DRAW.pdf

 

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=391290&raceId=891271