In the semi-finals of the BGBF British Bred Maiden Derby at Newcastle on Thursday, Rioja Bungle stood out as the quickest performer, securing a strong-running victory under Kevin Hutton’s guidance and earning a spot in next week’s £7,500-to-the-winner final.
Initially led by Monmore trainer Craig Marston’s former Romford racer, Romeo El Aguila, the youngest finalist, Rioja Bungle, surged powerfully down the back straight, eventually finishing with a commanding lead of five and a half lengths in 28.52 seconds.
However, it was Romeo Jackson who stole the spotlight in the first semi-final, showcasing his improvement as he kicked off a double win for local handler Tom Heilbron.
Starting slowly and appearing to face a challenging position, Romeo Jackson skillfully navigated the track and accelerated into the lead off the second bend, ultimately winning by six and a half lengths over Stuart Ray’s Blackhouse Alan in 28.71 seconds.
Romeo Jackson’s kennelmate, Romeo Crossfire, continued the impressive performance with another strong effort, completing the Heilbron double. Always well-positioned and avoiding the worst of the first-bend crowding, Romeo Crossfire overtook the early leader, Untold Quetzal (Carol Weatherall), and crossed the finish line more than three lengths ahead of the fast-finishing Queen Ariana in 28.94 seconds.
Trap Draw for Thursday’s £7,500 BGBF British Bred Maiden Derby Final - Newcastle, 500m:
Trap 1: Romeo Crossfire (Tom Heilbron)
Trap 2: Rioja Bungle (Kevin Hutton)
Trap 3: Blackhouse Alan (Stuart Ray)
Trap 4: Romeo Jackson (Tom Heilbron)
Trap 5: Romeo El Aguila (Craig Marston)
Trap 6: Queen Ariana (w) (Angela Harrison)