Slick Santiago records fastest time in Betfred Steel City Cup Heats
Sheffield hosted six exciting heats of the Betfred Steel City Cup on Tuesday evening, July 31st. With only a couple of hounds qualifying to the next round, the margin for error was minimum.
The £7,500 event got underway with a thrilling first heat. Keith Allsop's speedy dog, Slick Santiago, did not look rusty despite a gap of five months. An early pace helped the 10-11 favourite establish his supremacy at the first bend, and he retained his
advantage until the end.
Following a superb effort, the black dog seized the first place by three and a half lengths. He stopped the clock in just 28.94 seconds – the fastest time in the opening round of the championship.
Heat 2 saw Skywalker Louie making it to next week’s semis with ease. The blue and white dog defeated Meadow Bank Owl by 3½ lengths to clinch the first spot.
The third heat was dominated by Drumsna Hero, who was carrying the highest odds of 7 to 4. H. Williams’ trainee had to put in an all out effort in order to seal the first place. After a nail-biting contest, the black dog managed to take the top position
by a neck’s distance.
Boher Paddy was an unlucky loser in the fourth heat. Charlie Lister’s 4-9 favourite made a wonderful finish, but missed the gold medal by a head’s distance. Bit View Royal succeeded in dominating the proceedings despite getting bumped at the start.
Heat 5 saw Mags Gamble producing a surprise outcome. Despite a crowded start, the white and fawn dog took a handsome lead at the second bend, and retained his advantage all the way through.
He was followed by Droopys Betson, who cruised to the semis by beating Stepaside Bigjak by a neck’s distance. The 5-4 favourite, Bansha Mo, got badly bumped in the beginning and as a result, finished fifth on the chart.
In the sixth and final heat, Mays Gold thrived by one and a half lengths. The 10-11 favourite, Blue Artisan, failed to overtake Hather George, who secured the runner-up place by three quarters of a length.
Draw for next week’s semi-finals:
1st semi-final: Whiterock, 2 Meadow Bank Owl, 3 Bit View Royal, 4 Hather George, 5 Boher Paddy, 6 Mags Gamble (m).
2nd semi-fnal: 1 Skywalker Louie, 2 Droopys Betson, 3 Slick Santiago (m), 4 Mays Gold (m), 5 Clonrooske Son (w), 6 Drumsna Hero (w).
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