LOCAL runners will numerically dominate Hove’s two big finals this weekend, but all eyes will be on superstar stayer Droopys Flare in her quest for a Category One title in the £20,000 Coral Regency after another sublime display in her semi-final on Saturday night.
Sheffield trainer Sean Parker’s St Leger and Golden Jacket runner-up is widely regarded as the best stayer in training and that accolade showed again over the 695m trip.
Racing into an early lead, the May 2023 whelp drew clear and cruised home by almost seven lengths in a fastest-of-the-night 41.41sec.
Parker reported all was well the morning after, saying: “She has that fast start in her locker, so her bagging the early lead wasn’t too much of a surprise and then she went about her business nicely.
“She has been a cracking bitch for us and it would be a crying shame were she to not ever win a big competition, but nothing is guaranteed in this sport.
“Over the last 18 months or so we have been in 11 finals, won a few Category Two events, but narrowly missed out in a number of Category Ones. It would be great for everyone at the kennel and of course her owner, John Stubbings, if she could get it done on Saturday night.”
Parker’s star will don the white jacket of trap three in the decider. Regarding the final and the draw, the trainer added: “I’m hopeful heading into the race. The trap draw is what it is – what matters is that she can secure a pitch on the rail at some point. Fingers crossed she can do that, then we have a great chance.
“Whatever happens, the St Leger at Dunstall Park in September will be her next target.”
