PURSUIT SETS THE STANDARD IN NEWBRIDGE DERBY

Ian Fortune

Rich Pursuit and Canya Steve took their respective semi-finals in the Friends of Newbridge A1 Derby on Friday night. 

Rich Pursuit was at his sharpest in the opening semi, flashing from four to dictate into the turn.

Bowadis Raven quickly emerged as a serious threat and actually challenged and headed the early leader around the final turn only for Rich Pursuit to rally on the run in. Representing Francie and Kathleen Murray, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Mary Goodnight would go back to the front in the closing yards to beat Bowadis Raven by a length in 30.06. Da Bold Rose was two and a half lengths further adrift in third. 

STEVE SHOWS HIS POWER 

Canya Steve somehow found a way to maintain his unbeaten record in the competition in the second heat, charging home to take control on the run in. 

The son of Malachi and Burkos Dream was prominent in the early yards only to take a bump on the corner.

Harlequin Gee Up slipped around in front to set a strong pace down the back straight. Is She There gave chase but Canya Steve was always poised in third. When things started to get serious, Canya Steve began to motor. Coming wide of his rivals, Canya Steve flew up the straight to emerge a length and a half scorer in 30.14 with Is She There and Harlequin Gee Up separated by a half length in second and third. 

Friends of Newbridge Derby 

Final draw

1 Canya Steve

2 Da Bold Rose

3 Is She There

4 Harlequin Gee Up 

5 Rich Pursuit (m)

6 Bowadis Raven (m)