Blue Artisan crowned Gymcrack champion at Hall Green
Blue Artisan (5-4 favourite) held onto his unbeaten record at Hall Green this week to land the £6,000 final of the Newton Abbot Racecourse Gymcrack across 480m.
The Harry Williams-trained charge made a trap two start and displayed once again just how good he is at breaking away from the traps with great use of early pace.
Artisan’s only threat through the course of the race was from the Mark Wallis-trained Blonde Snapper who produced near enough the same sectional time to the first bend, but after a few turns, Williams’ charge had things in control and went on to win by four lengths in a time of 28.18sec.
Tuesday’s final was Artisans 14th race, and he is continuing to improve on each occasion. One bookmaker has been so impressed that they have already installed him as a 25-1 shot for the 2011 English Greyhound Derby.
“That was a tremendous run, especially as I don’t think the track was that quick,” said Ian Lavery MP and Joss Barnfather, who are the part owners of the dog in partnership with Williams.
“I’ve always liked the dog and this was the race I had in mind for him - plans don’t always come to fruition but this one did.
“I’d say he’ll probably go to the William Hill Festival at Sunderland next and it’s unlikely we’ll race him beforehand. He’s in the Produce Stakes as well being British-bred and people have been pestering me wondering whether he’ll run in the Ladbrokes Irish Derby so that’s another option.”
This year’s Irish derby boasts a first prize of €120,000 which is the largest prize on offer for a race in Europe. If Artisan is to try his luck at Shelbourne Park, he will have to compete with the likes of English Derby winner Bandicoot Tipoki, ante-post favourite Thurlesbeg Joker and also many other popular names in the industry.
The dates for the Ladbrokes Irish Derby are:
First Round: Thursday 5th August, Friday 6th August and Saturday 7th August
Second Round: Thursday 12th August & Saturday 14th August
Third Round: Saturday 21st August
Quarter-Finals: Saturday 28th August
Semi-Finals: Saturday 4th September
Ladbrokes Irish Greyhound Derby Final: Saturday 11th September
Tags: