CODY FASTEST IN MIDLANDS DERBY

Ian Fortune

While the Cesarewitch gets underway at Mullingar this afternoon, there was also some high-class action at the Midlands venue on Saturday nigh.

The semi-finals of the Kilbride Kennels Midlands Derby providing two impressive heat winners. Foulkscourt Cody was fastest but Pat The Doc also impressed, setting up a tremendous and most intriguing decider.

CODY BACK TO WINNING WAYS

Niall Deegan’s Foulkscourt Cody justified favouritism in the opening semi, leading from the bend before staying on well to win in 30.83 (.50 slow).

A good winner in the opening round, he ran well in second a fortnight later in the delayed quarter finals before being sent to traps the 6/4 favourite for his latest assignment.

The son of Good Cody and Foulkscourt Peg came away smartly from the outside box and soon took control. He maintaining a strong gallop throughout to extend his advantage. Jameson Johnny ran on after being hampered on the opening bend to claim the second qualifying spot, finishing some four and a half lengths back.

Baby Dont Dally was always prominent but was forced to check at the third turn. However, it failed to stop him from progressing to next week’s decider. He would finish third, a length behind Jameson Johnny.

WHATS UP… DOC

The second semi-final was considerably tighter at the finish.

Pat The Doc was sent off the even-money favourite and he was soon challenging. Owned and trained by Brian Reilly, he challenged on the opening turn but was headed by Coolderry Kate.

The latter continued to make much of the running but Pat The Doc proved too strong on the long run for home. Keeping on gamely, the daughter of Coolavanny Hoffa and Dapper Daisy got up late to cross the line a length to the good in 30.95 (.50 slow). Coolderry Kate chased her into the final in second with Ballyfore Blonde finishing well to take third just a short head away.

Kilbride Kennels Midlands Derby

Final draw

1 COOLDERRY KATE

2 PAT THE DOC

3 JAMESON JOHNNY

4 BABY DONT DALLY (M)

5 BALLYFORE BLONDE (M)

6 FOULKSCOURT CODY (W)