Porcelain Seelster takes Oakwood Stud first leg

It was GDs Baby (William Drysdale) who was first to show as the field settled into Indian file by the first quarter, with the leader coasting through the half and three quarters in good fractions. It was at this stage that the race came alive, with San Diego (John Allan), who had closely tracked the long-time leader, first to mount a serious challenge.

Entering the home stretch San Diego nosed in front, yet as soon as she had taken up the running Porcelain Seelster (James Haythornthwaite) had reached top gear and delivered a well-timed challenge along with Dontstoptheparty (Brian Gilvear) who by this stage was having to challenge four wide.

As they crossed the line in a pulsating finish, it was Porcelain Seelster who came out on top. Dontstoptheparty snatched second with San Diego in third.

The other feature race of the night was billed as a match between the previous two top grade OPH winners from the first two meetings of the season: Indie Hanover (Richard Haythornthwaite) and Robhall (Stuart MacKenzie).

The former led out, as his anticipated early rival Stoneriggs Banner (Hugh Menzies) made a break, gifting him an uncontested lead. They headed through the half in 1.02, which compared to last week's sizzling 59 seconds seemed pedestrian.

Approaching the three quarter marker there were three obvious dangers: American Gigolo (William Drysdale), Bayrigg Millionayr (Dougie McKenzie) and Camden Massino (Grant Cullen). Of the three, Bayrigg Millionayr emerged from the chasing pack and despite his best efforts, Indie Hanover could not shake off his challenger as Bayrigg Millionayr sprinted to victory. American Gigolo got up for second with the long-time leader finishing third.

GDs Hazzard was the first of two wins for English driver Andrew Cairns when going off a hot favourite in the maiden race, following on from his third placed run in the SHRC 3YO Derby the week prior.

Cairns' second win came from a catch drive on Camden Rocco in the Grade 1 for Corbiewood-based trainer Alex Taylor. Another winning catch drive secured victory in the maiden and novice combined race, when Richard Haythornthwaite steered the Gregor Menzies-trained Cash home in front. Live In Toyboy (Grant Cullen) made his second start of the season a winning one in the Grade 1 -3 OPH and the multi-disciplined Jasper Hill (Thomas MacKenzie) returned to winning ways in the Grade 3 & 4 OPH.

The next meeting at Corbiewood is Thursday 29th June, first race 7.30pm. Featuring the second leg of the Oakwood Stud Mares Pacing Series.

by Sarah Thomas, for Harnesslink

Race 1 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3VhxnmwgjKE

1st GDs Hazzard (Mypanmar-Jambo Cam) – A Cairns

2nd Lets Party (Dreamfair Vogel-Party West) – B Gilvear

3rd Beach Blizzard (Radiant King-Jennas Desire) – S Murray

Time: 2.05.48 Dist: 4 1/2L & 6L

Race 2 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UDlbrcHcNA

1st Cash (Hasty Hall-Cherokee) – R Haythornthwaite

2nd Red Romeo (Daylon Alert-Red Sarah) – W Drysdale

3rd Royal Mint Howard (Village Marquis-Gold Sovereign) – G Cullen

Time: 2.08.81 Dist: 6 1/2L & Neck

Race 3 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHO1_NqNyE0

1st Camden Rocco (Arts Conquest-Magical Sign) – A Cairns

2nd Evenwood Coolsting (The Firepan-Lamour La Plott) – S MacKenzie

3rd Springhill Catch (Best Sunshine-Springhill Kate) – W Greenhorn

Time: 2.06.49 Dist: 10L & 3/4L

Race 4 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i_efJfFyKZI

1st Live In Toyboy (Village Jasper-Live In Lover) – G Cullen

2nd Wellfield Alfie (Village Connection-Garys Advice) – G Drysdale

3rd Valentine Camden (Pro Bono Best-Lets All Boogie) – W Drysdale

Time: 2.05.77 Dist: 2L & 1 1/2L

Race 5 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfvBWrJ44GM

1st Jasper Hill (Village Jasper-Eyes Wide Open) – T MacKenzie Jnr

2nd Camden Casper (Yankee Lariat-Lets All Boogie) – G Cullen

3rd Mega Star (Genghis Pan-Party West) – W Greenhorn

Time: 2.07.33 Dist: 3/4 & 3/4L

Race 6 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n79hmxmTyWM

1st Bayrigg Millionayr (Genghis Pa-Ayr Millennium) – D McKenzie

2nd American Gigolo (Village Jasper-American Beauty) – W Drysdale

3rd Indie Hanover (Well Said-Incredible Margie) – R Haythornthwaite

Time: 2.04.46 Dist: 1L & 1 1/4L

Race 7 – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZ0L32XyHZc

1st Porcelain Seelster (Camluck-Pantecostal) – J Haythornthwaite

2nd Dontstoptheparty (Dreamfair Vogel-Party West) – B Gilvear

3rd San Diego (Pro Bono Best-San Carra) – J Allan

Time: 2.06.91 Dist: Neck & 3/4L