HOLLAND DOMINATION IN ENGLISH DERBY SEMIS

Ian Fortune

For over a decade Graham Holland and his Riverside Kennels outfit have been breaking records on this side of the Irish Sea but after capturing the 2022 English Derby with Romeo Magico, it’s clear he now has his sights set on complete domination on both sides of the water.

On Saturday night at Towcester, he sent out four runners in the semi-finals of the Star Sports/ TRC English Derby as he bids to follow up last year’s success. Not only did he win both semis with the wonderful Clona Duke and Swords Rex but Gaytime Nemo also chased Clona Duke home meaning that Graham and Ireland will have three representatives in next weekend’s £175,000 decider.

DUKE ROARS BACK TO FORM

Clona Duke set the ball rolling in some style.

The brilliant son of Malachi came roaring back to his very best in the opening heat breaking his own track record in the process. Cochise was a surprise pace-setter in the opening yards but the early speed of Clona Duke carried him to the front a long way before the bend.

Once going clear, it was only a case of how fast he would go. Gaytime Nemo motored up the fence to force his way into second on the opening bend and gave chase throughout but his kennel companion had gone.

For Team Holland it was joyous viewing thereafter with his duo dominating the contest. Cochise recovered well from crowding at the turn to slip around in third and he stayed on well but there was no stopping the front pair.

Clona Duke maintained a relentless gallop to emerge a comfortable and most impressive four and three quarter length scorer. More importantly, he earned his place in next week’s decider by taking almost a length off his own track record with a stunning 28.69 return.

Gaytime Nemo was second with Cochise just a half length adrift. Sadly, Burj Khalifa and Ballymac Finn made their exit from the classic. Burj Khalifa pressed Cochise hard down the back straight but was never going to be able to match that rival for strength. He was beaten a further two and three quarter lengths into third. Ballymac Finn was last of the six.

RAZOR-SHARP SWORDS

Fifteen minutes later, Swords Rex was sent to traps the 8-13 favourite to complete a remarkable double for Graham Holland.

A few were concerned that Romeo Command would step into his line in the early yards but such concerns were quickly put to bed.

Taking another flier from trap five, Swords Rex was in complete control from the opening yards. Showing his trademark acceleration, he was over two lengths clear of Ninja Kerry into the turn and eased further clear to lead by three and a half length at halfway. It was a lead he would maintain throughout.

Romeo Command did show fine pace to come through for second but was never a danger to the favourite. Swords Rex went on to score by three and a half lengths in 28.76. Ninja Kerry was two lengths further back in third.

Things never went the way of Jacktavern Bella. She couldn’t hold her pitch early and was at the tail of the field throughout.