Droopys Standard set the bar high in Saturday’s semi-finals of the Arena Racing Company Kent Silver Salver at Central Park, clocking the fastest time of the evening. Trained by David Mullins, the 12-1 shot burst from the traps and led all the way, securing a two-and-a-half length victory in 16.33 seconds. This impressive performance earned him a spot in the £12,500-to-the-winner final.
The competition was fierce, with My Lennie recovering from a missed break to secure a place in the final for Towcester trainer Adam Sear, finishing ahead of the 6-5 favourite, Time To Talk.
In another surprising outcome, Killuran Bella, a 28-1 longshot trained by Dan Brabon, showed exceptional speed and determination. She took an early lead and maintained it, finishing three-quarters of a length ahead of William Russell’s Magical Bluebear in 16.44 seconds. This semi-final also saw the unexpected elimination of the event favourite, Hopes Hurricane, who was outpaced early on and couldn't catch up, missing out on a spot in the final by a short head.
The first semi-final was marred by trouble, but Belinda Green’s 11-2 runner Guzzler managed to navigate through the chaos, winning by three-quarters of a length in 16.46 seconds. Romeo Crusade finished second, ensuring that David Mullins will have two runners in the upcoming final.
The Silver Salver, historically known as the Thames Silver Salver, has a rich history dating back to its inception in 1933 at Southend. It later moved to Canterbury and was renamed the Kent Silver Salver when it was relocated to Central Park in 2002. Notable past winners include Derby champions Priceless Border (1947) and Mutts Silver (1976), as well as sprint champions Wheres The Limo (1991), Roxholme Hat (2018), and Shrewd Call (2020). David Mullins, aiming for his second Silver Salver title, previously trained Shrewd Call.
The trap draw for Saturday’s Arena Racing Company Kent Silver Salver Final (277m, Central Park) is as follows:
- Droopys Standard (David Mullins)
- Killuran Bella (Dan Brabon)
- Romeo Crusade (David Mullins)
- Magical Bluebear (m) (William Russell)
- Guzzler (w) (Belinda Green)
- My Lennie (w) (Adam Sear)