Showdown Awaits at the Birmingham Cup Final
AAYAMZA SYDNEY emerged as the fastest qualifier in the semi-finals of the M Lambe Construction Birmingham Cup, held in memory of Michael Lambe Senior. The three winners were separated by a mere six spots, setting up a highly competitive £12,500 final at the Midlands track this Saturday.
Acting as the key support to the Premier Greyhound Racing St Leger Final, where Greyhound of the Year, Droopys Clue, is the overwhelming favourite, Aayamza Sydney is another formidable contender. He remains unbeaten in the competition and will aim to extend his streak in the 480m Category One decider.
Trained by John Mullins, Aayamza Sydney showed his strength in the third semi-final. Although he initially trailed behind local favourite Darley Diglake (Robert Hall) and Monmore’s Aghaburren Beau (Brian Thompson), he powered through on the final bend and took the lead on the home straight, winning by a length in 28.00 seconds.
Earlier in the year, Aayamza Sydney had been the runner-up in the Coral Essex Vase at Romford and later returned to win the Rosebowl in April. After being knocked out of the English Derby at Towcester, he arrived at Perry Barr in top form. Mullins expressed relief over his comeback after recovering from a cracked hock, saying they had given him ample time to recover, and now he’s performing well. He acknowledged that while a front-runner could slip away in Saturday’s final, Aayamza Sydney is in excellent shape.
The semi-finals began with a victory for Unanimous Leon, trained by Tom Heilbron. After battling with Cunnigar Yousir (Nathan Hunt), Unanimous Leon surged ahead to win by two and three-quarter lengths over Tricky Wiggles (Robert Holt) in 28.06 seconds. Heilbron now has two finalists in Category One this week, with Romeo Cypher and Romeo Crusade in Thursday’s BGBF Two-Year-Old Produce Stakes Final at Swindon. Meanwhile, Holt is also double-represented, as Trickycinderella competes in the PGR St Leger final.
In the second semi-final, Long Fellow (Matt Dartnall) took an early lead from the midfield, but Rioja Bungle (Kevin Hutton) closed in at the finish, securing a narrow win by a short head in 28.03 seconds. Hutton’s busy week continues as he has three finalists in Swindon’s Produce Stakes Final, along with Rioja Bungle at Perry Barr.
Trap Draw for the Birmingham Cup Final:
1. Rioja Bungle
2. Unanimous Leon
3. Long Fellow
4. Aayamza Sydney
5. Tricky Wiggles (m)
6. Darley Diglake (m)
Saturday’s final promises to be an exciting showdown, with these top contenders ready to compete!