The aptly named Flaming Jill and Flaming Bird, both two-year-olds, delivered victories in Friday night’s strongly contested 8.45 and 9.00 heats.
Workington-based Hopper’s first winner was followed home by fellow qualifiers Moth, a three-year-old from the Hillen kennels at Kilmarnock, and Last, a two-year-old owned and trained by former league footballer Buff Douglas from Stranraer.
Favourite Flaming Bird secured victory by a whisker in a dramatic three-way photo-finish crossing the line beside the other qualifiers Fanta, a two-year-old from Kelvin Brown of Wishaw and local fancy Danny Boy, a two-year-old from Tina Robinson of Greenmill, Longtown.
Based on initial form, respected Halcrow Stadium tipsters ‘Becks’ and ‘Becks’ Pal’ suggested the field remained wide open but ventured both Flaming Jill and Danny Boy were prospects worth watching this coming Friday.
RESULTS and STARTING PRICES
First race (7.30) – 1, Rose Mary, trap 4, price 5/2; 2, Nosey Rosie, 3, 2/1; distance 1.75 lengths; winning time 17.24 seconds.
Second (7.45) – 1, Cherokee, 6, 5/4; 2, Dun Tag, 3, 5/4; 2.25; 17.31.
Third (8.00) – 1, Lonaghan, 5, 2/1; 2, Relax, 6, 2/1;1.75. 17.20.
Fourth (8.15) – 1, Wigglet, 6, 3/1; 2, Horny Edgar, 5, 5/2; 3; 17.45.
Fifth (8.30) – 1, Denbie, 4, 5/2; 2, Wiggy’s Black, 6, 5/2; 3.5; 17.17.
Sixth (8.45) – 1, Flaming Jill, 4, 2/1; 2, Moth, 6, 2/1; 1.25; 17.29.
Seventh (9.00) – 1, Flaming Bird, 1, 4/6 fav.; 2, Fanta, 6, 5/2; a head; 17.35.
Eighth (9.15) – 1, Dun Well, 2, 2/1; 2, Oh Gosh, 4, 2/1; 4.5; 29.41.
Ninth (9.30) – 1, Wee Barra, 5, 6/4; 2, Scutter’s Lad, 6, 5/2; a neck, 29.21.
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