Barney & Louis shine on a super night at the Stow

Walthamstow Report 20 Nov 2007

Tuesday's card was the superb Racing Post festival finals night, the 10th festival.

There was an incredible number of short priced favourites tonight. As we know from previous festivals, they were not all going to win. I think the value in the festival often lies on the nights that build up to the finals night.

In the puppy stayers final, Droopys Totti was sent off 10/11 favourite and ran out a very impressive winner. Droopys Attracta towed him along to the 3rd bend, but had no answers when Droopys Totti wen into overdrive. Droopys Totti recorded a smart 39.66.

Nevada Blue was sent off favourite in the hurdles final, but had apparently had a nightmare journey down and he did not run at all well. Kildare Lark broke smartly and made all. Snazzy Time showed decent pace for a few bends, but could not go with the leader and succumbed to Custom Paul for second on the run in.

The Dual distance final was a disappointing race, as few of the runners saw out the trip. Droopys Mate towed them along to the 5th bend, with Lenson Earl not far behind. They collapsed in front and Danas Black stayed on from well off the pace for his first open race win.

The puppy stakes final was a really top quality race. Mustang Garcia showed good early pace, took a middle course and led round. Westmead Tina turned handy and came out narrowly on top in a superb buckle. Ronnies Hustle missed the break and could never get on terms.

Legal Major was well supported at morning odds in the Scurry. His cause was helped by a vacant trap inside him, but few would have expected the manner in which he won. He flew out the traps and once in front, was never going to be caught. Westmead Prince ran a decent race in second. Black Taxi missed the break and couldn't land a blow.

Ronnies Hotstuff set a scorching early pace in the maiden Derby final. However, again his stride shortened and he was collared on the run in. Baran Pedro stayed on and led on the run in. Barnfield Woody started modestly, but kept on well for second.

Tangies Soverign (from trap two) landed the Shetland Pony Derby. John the grounds man assured me they didn't make much of an in-print and did not churn the ground up. He said they were very light on their feet.

Lenson Joker ran out a decent winner of the stayers final. Directors Chair led him down to the 5th bend and kindly moved aside to let the jolly have the lead. Big Brett Coal was not fluent at the first bend and plugged on for second.

Spiridon Louis was an impressive all-the-way winner in the VC Bet marathon final. Despite my massive preference for 4 bend races, one of the Post lads explained to me why he should be Greyhound Writers Dog of the year. He said if he does not get it after winning those category ones, you might as well make it a four bend award. He was followed home by Shine Fantasy and Centaur Fuji, who both ran very good races. Bubbly Kate was again no fluent at the bends and ran well below par.

Barney (Barnfield On Air) made it a memorable night for the sport when reading the script and again showing his abundant class. He was somewhat helped by Astute Gift starting so slowly, but I don't think any of the field could have match his standard at their best. Noirs Ted showed plenty of pace, but ultimately Barnfield On Air broke his heart. This was a return to form for Noirs Ted though. Rio Quando started poorly and was crowded at the second bend. He came home very well and remains a very bright prospect.

Show Vision paced up well and led round in the veterans. Ninja Blue showed pace to the bend after a modest start and stayed on and led near the line. Caulry Fast Trap was coming with a threatening run, when baulked at the 3rd bend and looked unlucky.

Toosey Blue paced up well to the bend after an average start in the British bred stakes. He looked to have the race in safekeeping, but was distracted at the 3rd bend. He was briefly headed by Blonde Buzz, but managed to regain his momentum and went on to score. 

Rosshill View started well and led early in the 1045m jumbo marathon. Slaneyside Demon stayed on  and steadily made ground up on the final circuit and got on top in the shadow of the post.

Blonde Jeannie, Larkhill Jackie and Lockdale Lady went up to the bend in a line in the festival bitches stakes and Larkhill Jackie hung off at the bend, impeding Lockdale Lady. Blonde Jeannie got a lovely clear run and ran out a decent winner. Larkhill Jackie stayed on for second.

The festival closed with an 880m marathon and Romford Carthree made all. En It was crowded on the run up and stayed on for second. She took an eternity to get past Transtown Mul at the 7th bend. Otherwise, it may have been close. 

Last updated: 13 Jun 2008 by Stow judge Contact