Rayvin Giovanni upset at Romford Puppy Cup
Rayvin Giovanni was a heavy favourite heading into the Romford Puppy Cup semi-finals this weekend, but after a poor start he lost to Bright Redcliff. It was his first loss since July. Giovanni did manage
to finish second, and will have a chance to redeem himself in the Puppy Cup final this weekend. The top two hounds from each semi-final earned spots in the final.
Semi-final one
The first semi-final saw Final Gold take the lead late in the race, and beat 10-11 race favourite, Little Urge, by 1¼ lengths. Urge had taken an early lead thanks to a good start, but Gold was right behind
her from the traps after getting off to a good start of her own.
Finishing in a tie for third was Droopys Doctor and Devastator. Neither had a chance to catch up to Gold and Urge, and both were eliminated from the final. In fifth was Cotswold Hegarty, who finished just
a head behind Doctor and Devastator. Another 1¼ lengths behind Hegarty in sixth was Ballymac Denis.
Semi-final two
In the second semi-final, 6-4 race favourite, Daughter Of Peg, won handily over Butterbridge Jen. Peg got off to an excellent start, quickly moved to the inside, and led the entire race. She finished 3¾
lengths ahead of Butterbridge.
While Butterbridge wasn’t able to catch-up to Peg, she did manage to put some distance between herself and third place finisher Archers Eagle, taking second place by 3 ½ lengths. Eagle did well as the
12-1 longshot to take third, but will not race in the final.
In fourth was Oscars Blurr, and in fifth was Astro Boy. Ballymac Celia was expected to challenge for a spot in the final, but she checked on the first bend, allowing the pack to move ahead of her. She
finished in last place.
Semi-final three
Rayvin Giovanni got off to a slow start, but did well to recover, forcing his way into second place to earn a spot in the final. Bright Redcliff was the only real competition for Giovanni in this race,
and took full advantage of Giovanni’s rough start, getting out in front and winning the race by 1¾ lengths.
In third was Droopys Tajmahal, who finished six lengths back of Giovanni. Fourth was taken by Ballymac Louise, and in fifth was Flopsy Bunnytail. Finishing in last place was Strattons Brett.
Giovanni is still expected to win the final.
Here’s the draw for 24 September's £8,000 final: 1 Daughter Of Peg, 2 Little Urge, 3 Bright Redcliffe, 4 Final Gold, 5 Rayvin Giovanni (m), 6 Butterbridge Jen (m).
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