Bet365 Northamptonshire Sprint Semi-Finals
The Sunday afternoon open card at Towcester featured three semi-finals of the Bet365 Northamptonshire Sprint. Mark Wallis's Quarteira leads the ante-post betting at 2/1, entering semi-final 3 after a remarkable first-round victory, beating Singaporeslinger by 6 1/2 lengths in a speedy 15.44 seconds. Although just 2 spots off the current track record set by Flashing Willow in June 2022, Quarteira's form indicates the reigning Scurry Gold Cup Champion's current prowess. Belinda Green's 2023 National Sprint Champion, Bombout Bullet, is the second favourite at 5/1. However, he needs a quicker start from the traps, having qualified somewhat fortuitously in his heat. Despite benefiting from crowding, he showcased impressive speed and remains a threat with a favourable break.
Tony Aims to Secure Sheffield Maiden Final for Team Hodson
Sheffield hosted a twelve-race card on Sunday, with the first eight being of the open variety. The highlight was the £600-to-the-winner Owlerton Stadium Maiden Final at 2:39 pm. Kelly Hodson's Choctaw Tony, the front-runner, has won six times since arriving at Sheffield, with the last three victories in the top grade. Despite a poor start in the previous week's heat, he put up a commendable performance. If he finds his trapping form, Choctaw Tony is well-positioned to secure victory.
Kings & Queen Set the Standard in the Winter Derby
The Ladbrokes Winter Derby, brimming with class, commenced at Monmore on Sunday. Queen Joni posted the fastest time of the day in heat 4, clocking 28.36 seconds. Kennel mates King Capaldi and his litter brother Sydney claimed victories in heats 4 and 5, recording times of 28.42 and 28.39, respectively.