Lee stars as Derby hopes continue in terrific form
On Friday night Seamus Graham continued his love affair with the venue, sending out both Jaxerback (28.62) and Loyal Honcho (28.57) to win their respective heats, but the star was the Paul Hennessy trained Tyrur Lee as he ran away with the first of the night’s heats, stopping the clock in a wonderful 28.46.
Cahercrin Lad finished second in Heat 19 to add to the tally of Irish runners that will take their place in the second round. There was less luck for the Owen McKenna trained Express Comet who, after a slow start, went crashing out in Heat 17.
There was more of the same for the Irish on Saturday as Ullid Conor, Deanridge Vixen, Farloe Black and Droopys Robinho all progressed. The only Irish winner came in the form of Ullid Conor, who overcame early crowding to win Heat 23 with a tremendous display.
Droopys Robinho led for much of the way in Heat 30, but the lack of a run may have cost him in the latter stages. He eventually finished a length and three parts behind Directors Chair in 28.70. Farloe Black also ran a big race in defeat in Heat 26, overcoming plenty of traffic problems to finish third, while Deanridge Vixen finished second in Heat 24 to book her place in the second round. In contrast both Newtown Koala and Droopys Electric suffered traffic problems before failing to qualify.
