Yorkshire Derby Heats Set Stage for a Final
ROMEO COMMAND set the pace as Doncaster brought back the Cat Two Yorkshire Derby with six exciting heats over 483m at the South Yorkshire track last Saturday.
Trained by Patrick Janssens, Romeo Command—runner-up in the 2023 English Derby and the 2024 BGBF TruFrame Champion Stakes winner—quickly found his rhythm in a fiercely competitive heat two. Facing off against kennelmate Droopys Doughnut and Barry Denby’s Leighas Dream, the race was intense from the start.
Droopys Doughnut led for most of the way, but Romeo Command, displaying remarkable stamina, overcame early crowding to secure a win by half a length in 29.24sec (+10). This victory marked a strong comeback after finishing fourth in the Coral Sussex Cup and following a recent setback in the JenningsBet Select Stakes at Nottingham. Leighas Dream, despite finishing third, advanced to the semifinals, joined by kennelmate Bellmore Ozzy, who led from the first bend and claimed a decisive four-and-a-quarter-length win in 29.55sec (+10).
In heat three, Perry Barr’s Naochra, trained by Michael Connolly, bounced back from disappointment in the Birmingham Cup heats to win. A quick start set the foundation for his strong finish, overtaking early leader Romeo Steel and Aghaburren Fuse with a time of 29.57sec (normal).
Local trainer Paul Prior found success in heat four as Colliers Brynner surged ahead of Acomb Johnny (Kevin Ferguson) on the first bend, cruising to a one and three-quarter lengths victory in 29.60sec (normal).
Tom Heilbron’s Greenwell Coe dominated heat five, setting the fastest sectional of the night at 4.04sec and leading from start to finish for a comfortable three-length victory in 29.31sec (normal). Later in the evening, Heilbron’s Untold Euro doubled his success, effortlessly winning by one and three-quarter lengths in 29.38sec (normal), with Ballymac Lineout and Acomb Mabel securing semifinal spots.
Doncaster racing manager Craig Day expressed his excitement about the event, highlighting the high-quality entries for the £8,000-to-the-winner competition, which runs alongside the BGBF British Bred St Leger.
Day mentioned that the entry turnout was impressive, especially given its timing between other major competitions like the Yarmouth Derby, Birmingham Cup, and St Leger at Perry Barr. He noted standout performances, particularly from Romeo Command, whose heat-winning time was the fastest. He also pointed out that Leighas Dream’s strong effort could have gone unnoticed by some, and that Chelms Sonny might improve after this initial run.
Regarding the British Bred St Leger, Day admitted there was some uncertainty due to its proximity to other events like the St Leger itself and the Produce Stakes. However, he was pleased with the calibre of entries, especially from defending champion Fabulous Dyna.
Day concluded by thanking the Watson family for sponsoring the Yorkshire Derby prize fund and looked forward to more competitive races in the coming weeks, including Category Three events leading up to the finals next Saturday.