Old Bleach fancied to capture McKinney Derby title at Brandywell

In the first semi final, ‘Old Bleach’, who has won her last three races at the track, was the well supported evens favourite to make it four in a row and the January ‘21 bitch did not disappoint. Breaking from trap three on level terms with ‘Brother Len’ in trap two, going to the first bend ‘Old Bleach’ cut across to take the lead and this strong stayer galloped on strongly from that point to win by five lengths in a good time of 29.18 for the 525 yards for Antrim based owner, Brendan McCann.

‘Brother Len’ stayed on for second with ‘Glenford Rouge’ finishing well in third to also make the Final.

In the second semi final it was a competitive betting race with ‘Boherna Kit’ from trap three and ‘Twentyoneten’ from trap six joint favourites at 2/1 before the off. At trap rise it was ‘Cutting Barley’ from trap four and ‘Twentyoneten’ from trap six that set the early pace but going around the opening bends ‘Twentyoneten’ shot clear and was six lengths in front along the back straight. It looked as if he would be a easy winner until, around the final bends, it was clear to see he was beginning to tire. ‘Boherna Kit’ was closing but going into the home straight ‘Twentyoneten’ still had a couple of lengths in hand and even though ‘Boherna Kit’ kept closing, ‘Twentyoneten’ held on to win by three quarters of a length in a time of 29.39 for Belfast based owner, Thomas Light.

‘Boherna Kit’ qualified in second with ‘Glenside Shank’ running on into third to get the last remaining spot in next week's final.

The trap draw for the final was made after the semi-finals with a change of race nights for the big decider. With no meeting on Monday evening due to the Halloween festival, the final will now take place on Tuesday night. And looking at the trap draw for the final, it’s difficult to look outside the two semi final winners, ‘Old Bleach’ in trap four and ‘Twentyoneten’ from trap five.

My own view is the run to the bend will be crucial as both have good early pace but ‘Twentyoneten’ must lead up and hope for trouble in behind because stamina is not his strong point while Old Bleach can start and finish. If she gets a clear run in the early part of the race it will be race over and even if she does not lead, she is well able to come from behind to win so she looks the likeliest recipient of the £1,200 winner's prize and trophy.

Just to finish, a big ‘Thank You’ to the McKinney family and the Track Lotto for the sponsorship of the competition. It’s great to see all the races on the final night will be sponsored with added prizemoney in all the races.

So don't forget, there will be no meeting on Monday with racing taking place on Tuesday night with the normal start time of 8pm.

Len McKinney Memorial Brandywell Derby final

(In trap order)

1. Brother Len

2. Glenford Rouge

3. Boherna Kit

4. Old Bleach

5. Twentyoneten

6. Glenside Shank

Tracker’s Selection: Old Bleach. Danger: Glenford Rouge.