Westmead Maldini lands Coral Sussex Cup Final at Hove
Nick Savva's speedy dog, Westmead Maldini, was an impressive winner in the finale of Coral Sussex Cup, held at Hove on Tuesday, July 31st. The blue dog looked unlucky in last year’s meeting, when finishing third behind Longwood Days.
Luck twisted in his favour this season, as he managed to make it to the semis by securing the third place juts by a head’s distance in the opening round of the championship.
The son of Droopys Maldini upset the 4-5 favourite, Loughteen Blanco, in the first semi-final on July 26th. Despite producing a shocking result, he could not win trust of the bookmakers, who gave him the odds of 9 to 2.
The dashing hound made the bookies realise their mistake by making a superb effort in the £10000 final. He was second behind Loughteen Blanco in early stages of the race.
S. Cahill’s leading runner tried hard to stretch his advantage, but Westmead Maldini did not give him any room. He came up with a serious challenge on the final two bends, and quickened up in the dying moments.
An excellent finish helped the maverick hound secure the top rank by a length’s distance. He covered the distance of 515 metres in only 29.65 seconds, giving his opponents no chance whatsoever.
Loughteen Blanco, who was carrying the second highest starting price of 2 to 1, eventually became the unlucky loser. The blue dog was well in command at one stage, but failed to retain his lead all the way through.
Droopys Scolari’s son was outclassed by the champion runner, but did well to ensure the second prize by three lengths. Despite hesitating early on, Mark My Words succeeded in seizing the third spot. The black dog was followed by Holloway Road, who beat the
4-5 favourite, Airlie Impact, by a length’s distance to clinch the fourth position.
P. Young’s favourite runner was unable to perform to his high reputation, and could only defeat the back marker, Offshore Rebel. The June-10 son of Royal Impact was very wide at the start, and never recovered thereafter.
Westmead Maldini certainly performed above expectations at Hove, recording a fourth victory in the event for his handler, Nick Savva.
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