BURGESS ELITE set the standard in the heats of the George Ing St Leger at Yarmouth on Saturday as the John Mullins-trained runner raced away for a comfortable success in heat four of the east coast track’s biggest six-bend competition of the year.

Lining up as an odds-on favourite, the March 2019 son of Kinloch Brae and Borna Elite was soon handy before hitting the front down the back-straight second time for a six-and-a-quarter length success over Nipsey Hustle (Carol Weatherall) and another Mullins performer in Alana Pet. The winning time was 40.82sec (normal).

The GBGB Category One event, not run in 2020 because of Covid-19 and won last year by the Jim Daly-trained Blue Tick George, kicked off with the Patrick Janssens-trained Affleck Macy making all in heat one from Ragtime Storm (Dan Brabon) and another Janssens runner Bockos Brandy in 40.92sec.

Essex Vase champion Coolavanny Aunty continued her fine 2022 with an all-the-way victory in heat two as Angela Harrison’s bitch was soon in command and kept up the gallop before crossing the line six and three-quarter lengths in 40.86sec ahead of Getwiththetimes (David Elcock) and Antigua Getaway (Mark Wallis).

Callmesteve initiated a double for John Mullins in winning heat four as the Puppy Derby runner-up powered through to grab longtime leader Russian Sammy (David Elcock) on the run for home to score by two lengths in 41.14sec, with Droopys Barry (Jamie Kingsley) qualifying for Saturday’s semi-finals in third.

Winning trainer Mullins, delighted to have landed a double, said of Burgess Elite and Callmesteve: “Both ran well and with luck can keep on qualifying. They’re tough heats, of course – it’s a top event – but their draws look okay for Saturday’s semis and we go again. Stamina-wise neither is lacking but you always want to be in a pitch at Yarmouth.

“I’m just delighted for Jack (Cranfield) that once again the George Ing St Leger has attracted some of the best stayers around. He’s one of my owners and sponsors the competition in memory of his grandad. The family love their racing at Yarmouth and, however things work out, it’s going to another fantastic final for them.”

Bellmore Sally landed a double for Newcastle-based trainers when taking heat five as the Golden Jacket champion made the trip south for Morpeth-based Jimmy Fenwick another successful one despite being halted in her tracks at the third bend.

Recovering well, Bellmore Sally came again on the run for home to score by a length and a quarter from pacesetter Blackrose Pippa (Patrick Janssens) and Foxy Daisy (Andrew Wilson) in 41.19sec for the 659m big-race distance.

The sixth and final heat produced the most exciting finish of the night as kennelmates Blueberry Bullet and Antigua Princess served up a thriller – the former finishing the stronger to grab the latter close home for a head success in 40.91sec for a Mark Wallis one-two. Blackrose Tadhg (Patrick Janssens) qualified in third here.

 

Trap draw for Saturday’s semi-finals:-

First semi: 1 Blueberry Bullet, 2 Foxy Daisy, 3 Affleck Macy, 4 Bellmore Sally (m), 5 Antigua Princess (m), 6 Getwiththetimes (w).

Second semi: 1 Antigua Getaway, 2 Coolavanny Aunty, 3 Droopys Barry, 4 Blackrose Tadhg (m), 5 Blackrose Pippa (m), 6 Burgess Elite (w).

Third semi: 1 Bockos Brandy, 2 Alana Pet, 3 Callmesteve, 4 Ragtime Storm (m), 5 Nipsey Hustle (m), 6 Russian Sammy (m).

Results: https://www.gbgb.org.uk/meeting/?meetingId=383018&raceId=822942