Romeo Ability pushed to the wire at Nottingham

Romeo Ability pushed to the wire at Nottingham

Romeo Ability was made to work hard when landing the odds in the Arena Racing Company Puppy Classic Trial Stakes at Nottingham on Monday night.

The 1/5 shot was first to show in the 500m contest but got lost a little around the opening two bends and the leader was then pressed all the way down the back straight by Droopys Stat and Aghaburren Ben.

The Patrick Janssens-trained favourite went on again off the last bend but couldn’t shake off Aghaburren Ben as the pair fought it out to the line, with Romeo Ability holding on by a short head to score in 30.20 (+20).

There was an open-race double for Jill Llewellin at Colwick Park, starting with Vale Bluebell in the 680m contest.

Stonepark Abba paced up into an early lead but she was closely followed by Vale Bluebell, who made her move to hit the front at the fifth bend.

The 10/11 favourite pulled away nicely and crossed the line five and three-quarter lengths clear of Stonepark Abba in a winning time of 41.46 (+40).

Her kennelmate Leelad flew home to strike in the 305m sprint as he denied the in-form Rental Crisis a six-timer by a neck in 18.21 (+10).

The other open of the night was a 500m contest that went the way of Kevin Ferguson's Acomb Felix, who justified odds of 4/7 by making all in 29.50 (+50) by three and a quarter lengths from Newinn Oscar.

Upcoming Opens 

Tuesday: Swindon 

Friday: Romford

Saturday: Hove