GDs Baby takes second leg of Oakwood Stud

Last week's long-time leader GDs Baby (William Drysdale) once again showed good gate speed to take up the running in the early stages of the race. Yokalady (William Greenhorn) found herself parked and endured a tough trip throughout whilst keeping the leader under sustained pressure.

 

San Diego (John Allan) and Starzapan (Stuart MacKenzie) travelled through the race sitting on the rail and approaching the three quarter marker as Yokalady began to tire, both both mares looked to mount a challenge. It was San Diego who emerged as the leader's biggest danger as she drew alongside GDs Baby in the final eighth and perhaps looked the likely winner considering the outcome of last week's race; however, Drysdale had kept something in reserve and asked his mare to quicken.

 

She dug deep and went on to win by three quarters of a length. Starzapan delivered her challenge three wide and although never threatening the winner will no doubt strip fitter for her seasonal reappearance and last year's SHRC Horse of the Year is expected to be competitive in the remainder of the series.

The top grade handicap saw Stoneriggs Banner (Ian Hay) lead from pillar to post where he held off a determined challenge from American Gigolo (William Drysdale) by a neck in an exciting finish. This victory was a first driving win for Ian Hay in over 10 years having semi-retired from the sulky; a regular groom for the stable, he is called up for driving duties on occasion when required and it was clear to see his delight at returning to the winner's circle.

The evening began with a maiden pace featuring an all-the-way victory for Johnny Cash and Gordon Gilvear. Regular driver Logan Fowler was forced to cheer on from the sidelines following an accident which will see him on "box rest" for a number of weeks.

 

The second race went the way of Royal Mint Howard (G Cullen), who finally overcame long-time leader Littlemill Jo (Stephen Henderson) in the stretch to notch up his second win of the season. The runner-up lost nothing in defeat and looks sure to go one better in the coming weeks.

 

The Grade 1 and Grade 2 races were both won by horses who were victorious at the first meet: Millie May West (John Allan) streaked clear in the closing stages to record her second win of the year; Wellfield Alfie (George Drysdale) led out, made all and cruised home in the fastest time of the night in what was a very impressive performance. There seems no reason why either of these can't win again.

 

Another impressive winner was the eight-year-old mare, Ayr Pandemic (William Greenhorn), who recorded her 16th lifetime win in the Grade 3 & 4 OPH, in a career that has spanned almost 7 seasons. The manner in which she blazed to victory would suggest she is as good as ever.

The next meeting at Corbiewood is Thursday 6th July, featuring the third leg of the Oakwood Stud Mares Pacing Series. First race 7.30pm.

 

by Sarah Thomas, for Harnesslink

Race 1
1st Johnny Cash (Soulofthematter-Halfabootie) – G Gilvear
2nd Ayr Caledonia (Hasty Hall-Ayr Wing) – G Keith
3rd Hawthorns Melinda (Pierce Seelster-Dot Comm) – R Leary
6 Ran  Time: 2.08.82 Dist: 2 1/4L & 1L

Race 2
1st Royal Mint Howard (Village Marquis-Gold Sovereign) – G Cullen
2nd Littlemill Jo (Littlemill Rogue-Hendos Star) – S Henderson
3rd I Live To Party (Dreamfair Vogel-Party West) – B Gilvear
5 Ran  Time: 2.07.87 Dist: 1L & 11L

Race 3
1st Millie May West (Hasty Hall-Aprilmaywest) – J Allan
2nd Miami Seelster (Pierce Seelster-Miamicrombie) – R Leary
3rd Live In Toyboy – (Village Jasper-Live In Lover) – G Cullen
6 Ran  Time: 2.06.96 Dist: 3 3/4L & 1 1/2L

Race 4
1st Wellfield Alfie (Village Connection-Garys Advice) – G Drysdale
2nd Camden Candyman (Yankee Lariat-Tacambaro) – W Greenhorn
3rd Caraghs Comet (Soulofthematter-Flyers Comet) – T MacKenzie Jr
7 Ran  Time: 2.04.37 Dist: 2L & 2L

Race 5
1st Ayr Pandemic (Daylon Alert-Poudine Du Pan) – W Greenhorn)
2nd West End Alf (The Cammissioner-Red Emilie) – G Drysdale
3rd Ladyford Lad (Hasty Hall-Just Disraeli) – L Moran
7 Ran  Time: 2.05.3 Dist: 4L & 1 1/4L

Race 6
1st GDs Baby (Daylon Alert-GDs Twin) – W Drysdale
2nd San Diego (Pro Bono Best-San Carra) – J Allan
3rd Starzapan (Genghis Pan-Starry Nite) – S MacKenzie
5 Ran  Time: 2.08.11 Dist: 3/4L & 1/4L

Race 7
1st Stoneriggs Banner (Banner Yankee-Thepansquickrnthei) – I Hay
2nd American Gigolo (Village Jasper-American Beauty) – W Drysdale
3rd Camden Massino (Art Major-Sheeza Sakra) – G Cullen
7 Ran Time: 2.05.5 Dist: Neck & 3 3/4L