The All England Cup heats last week saw some super performances. The final big competition of 2021 heads to the semi-final stage this week, with the potential final shaping up to be a fitting end to the year.
Lloyd to Notch up His Hat-Trick
Brynoffa Lloyd was the quickest winner in the heats last week for Angela Harrison, stopping the clock in 28.33. He won a trial stake for this competition the week before that in 28.39 so he is in flying form at present.
He’s only had 12 starts in his life, winning seven of them, still unexposed enough to have more to come. He can take the 20.06 on his way to the final next week where he would hold strong claims.
No Mistake This Week From Stan
Things did not go right for Skywalker Stan in the heats. He did not come away from the traps as well as he can, finding trouble at the opening turn. Despite those mishaps, he reduced the winner’s margin down to a short head at the line.
The winner of the Arc Puppy Cup at Sunderland back in June, he landed a quick hat-trick at this track in September. A classy youngster, he can book his spot in another big final for Ted Soppitt at 19.51.
The Eye Tells Us Jimmy Is the Way to Go
It’s been a successful year for Optic Jimmy, notching up four open-race wins as well as a smart top grade success at this track. His confidence looks sky high at present after winning a small competition at Sunderland.
Hugely impressive in his heat win, clocking a slick 28.39 there for Harry Burton. A repeat of that is going to set a strong standard for the others to aim at, at 20.21.
Walsh to Get the Drinks In
Killieford Vodka is not the most consistent but there is the occasional flash of very smart form from her. An A2 winner for Michael Walsh here in the summer, she has been building herself up since her return from season.
She is a very strong stayer at this trip, looking capable of turning a little handier to the pace in this field than is often the case. That can make all the difference to her chances at 19.34.
December Success for June
Connections are yet to get a clear run of things with Ashbank Danroby since he arrived from Ireland. He produced an eye-catching trial here for June McCombe ahead of the British Bred Maiden Derby in June, clocking 28.72.
Sent off favourite for his semi-final of that competition, he was badly hampered at the second bend, missing three and a half months after that. He has the class to win something decent and can get off the mark for this kennel in the 18.59.