18th March - All The Weekend Reviews & News! - 11:43 AM

18 Mar 2024

DOLLY MARCHES TO RECORD BREAKING CESAREWITCH SUCCESS

Ian Fortune

Singalong Dolly is a classic champion after a runaway victory in a track record breaking time in the TIME Irish Cesarewitch at Mullingar on Sunday afternoon.

It certainly come as a shock to anyone as she was sent off the 4-11 favourite following the withdrawal of her kennel companion and defending champion Bobsleigh Dream.

Brigadier Jaxx broke fastest from trap two and led in the opening yards with Ballycairn Flash challenging but neither had an answer to the superior early speed of Singalong Dolly. Once taking charge between the winning line and the corner, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Mydras Dawn soon took complete control.

Entering the back straight with four lengths in hand on Ballycairn Flash with Brigadier Jass a further two and a half lengths away third, Singalong Dolly waws well on her way to Cesarewitch glory. Despite the best efforts of those in behind, the Pat Buckley trained Singalong Dolly was in a league of her own.

Stretching on to hit the third turn with six lengths to spare, she maintained a relentless gallop to power further and further clear on the run in. Faypoint Angry finished well to come through for second in the closing yards but Singalong Dolly had little more than a solo trial, crossing the line an incredible twelve and a half lengths clear in a stunning track record breaking 32.74. Ballycairn Flash ran a fine race in third, just a length further adrift.   

Both Pat Buckley, who was winning his fifth Irish Cesarewitch after the previous victories of Micks Savings, Paradise Maverik, Droopys Acrobat and Bobsleigh Dream, and owner Gilbert Anderson would have been confident ahead of the decider but to take a spot off the previous track record of Meenagh Miracle would have been a real cherry on top.

It’s clear after her Puppy Oaks, Champion Bitch Stake and Cesarewitch victories that Singalong Dolly is a notable performer and her connections will be looking forward to challenging for further major honours in the coming months.

BOSS READY TO GO IN CONSOLATION

Earlier on the card, Boss Go emerged a good winner of the consolation Cesarewitch, proving too strong at the business end or long-time leader Miss Mini Holly.

The latter took charge on the bend with Typical Bono steering a middle path.

Just behind the duo, Boss Go stayed tight to the fence to move third and quickly challenge for second. Miss Mini Holy continued to lead to the third turn but moved off the rail between the last two bends, leaving room for Boss Go to make his move.

Conor Curtin’s son of Skywalker Rafa and Brickfield Roxy hit the front on the inside of the track and proceeded to stay on well for a length verdict over Miss Mini Holly in 33.28.

GIZMO LEAVES SCORCH MARKS AT ENNISCORTHY

Ian Fortune

There were numerous fine displays in the opening round of the Future Champion and Michael Fortune Memorial at Enniscorthy on Sunday evening but the real star of proceedings was Ballymac Gizmo as he emerged a sensational winner in a breathtaking 28.61.

In victory, Ballymac Gizmo completed a wonderful double for Liam Dowling that was earlier initiated by another bright prospect, Ballymac Sargie. 

GIZMO LOOKS SERIOUS

Ballymac Gizmo understandably took the headlines, however.

Racing from an inside draw in Heat 4, the son of Ballymac Cooper and Ballymac Arminta was sent to traps the 1-3 favourite. Those that took the odds never had a moment’s worry.

Breaking smartly, he quickly shot clear and pulled right away to eventually cross the line twelve lengths clear of Corporal Jack in 28.61. A full brother to the wonderfully fast Ballymac Danica, it seems obvious from this brief cameo that Ballymac Gizmo has unlimited potential and he is certainly one to keep an eye on in the future.

SARGIE TOO STRONG

Ballymac Sargie had to work a little harder in Heat 3.

The son of Vulturi and Ballymac Breeze is a full brother to former Juvenile Classic and Shelbourne 600 winner Ballymac Wild and his strength was there for all to see.

Elite Kursk went up fastest to set a strong gallop but he was under severe pressure into the third turn. Despite being forced to check between the last two bends, Ballymac Sargie surged to the front on the final corner to emerge a three length winner in 29.04.

TED SHOWS PROMISE

Next fastest was Edward Sheridan and Brendan Murphy’s Itsallabouted in Heat 6.

A full brother to Ballinabola Ed, there were similarities with his older brother in the manner in which he took over into the turn. Not the fastest into stride, the son of Confident Rankin and Dolls Lady charged up the outside of the track to assert before the corner.

Once doing so, it was all one-way traffic. Racing right away from those in pursuit, the Pat Buckley trained youngster went on to score by a dozen lengths from Flomur Fern in 29.17.

FIERY PROVIDES JOE WITH A FINE WINNER

Joe Devlin previously sold Thorn Falcon out of this competition and he unleashed a very nice type in the opening heat with Fiery Mick overcoming come bother to run out a good winner.

Closely related to Thorn Falcon on the dam side, he displayed many similar qualities to the former English Derby winner.

Only fourth into the turn where he found a little crowding, he flew down the back straight to go second into the third turn. Moving straight past the pace-setting Rapido Ted between the last two bends, he eased on to emerge a three length winner in 29.24. Trinity Bella came through for second. It seems safe to suggest the winner will go considerably faster in the future and he is clearly a greyhound to keep a keen eye on.

GREEKO AN EASY WINNER

Robbie O’Neill and Adrian Maher took the second heat with Roanna Greeko.

A well bred son of Lenson Bocko and Shes Ordinary, the March ‘22 whelp cleared his rivals into the corner, avoiding a first bend scrimmage in the process. A mile clear by halfway, he cruised home thirteen lengths clear of Annual Presto in 29.40.

A DOUBLE FOR THE TWO JOHNS

Two Sovereigns won Heat 5 for John Simpson and John Kavanagh.

The hot favourite Badminton Bach shot clear and looked a certain scorer at the third turn only to cramp on the run in. This left Two Sovereigns, who had overcome early traffic, to come through on the run in for a three length verdict over Badminton Bach in 29.96. 

SOVS MAKES IT TWO

Simpson and Kavanagh later completed a fine double in the final heat as Donishall Sov reeled in the early pace-setter Piercestown Ella to claim a narrow victory.

Always close to the pace, the daughter of Burgess Bucks and Sovereign stayed close to the fence around the third turn to take over before turning for home. Amys Gem also stayed on well but Donishall Sov went on to score by three parts of a length in 29.79.

DUDE COMES OUT ON TOP

Liam Butler and Shanks Whelan had a winner in the penultimate heat with Piercestown Dude racing prominently throughout before taking over on the final turn.

The son of Pestana and Piercestown Moll led into the turn but was headed on the inside of the track by Cushie Rustic.

The pair continued to battle for the lead down the back straight before Piercestown Dude took over on the final bend. From there he eased on to win by a length from Cushie Rustic in 29.70. Unanimous Tyfoon caught the eye, finishing fast in third after plenty of traffic problems. 

UNMATCHED DELIVERS A SENSATIONAL PERFORMANCE IN THE CORK OAKS

Barry Drake

UNMATCHED (Droopys Sydney-Droopys Alice), trained by Johnny Linehan for owners the Swipe-Right-Syndicate, delivered the performance of the night in Curraheen Park on Saturday night as the even-money favourite clocked a stunning 28.07 in the third and final heat in round two of the Apex Global Resources Ltd Cork Oaks. 

Getting it right from traps, Unmatched came away racing and she flew around the opening corners in top gear. Flying clear down the back straight, it was soon game over and it was very much a race against the clock. Showing huge pace and power throughout, the most impressive winner stormed to a sensational winning performance, seven and a half lengths clear of Bredas Wood. Bockos Crystal was a notable non-runner in this heat.

Goldcash Ice (Ice On Fire-Paradise Asia) delivered a powerful finish to win the second heat for Jack Mead and Mairead Doyle. Out the back early on, the 9-2 winner made her move on the back straight and she then produced a fantastic finish to run down the early-paced Glengar Jasmine. No stranger to big performances around course and distance, it was a 28.47 winning run, with three-quarters of a length back to Glengar Jasmine in second. 

In the opening heat, Orchid Queen (Droopys Sydney-Cicero) displayed huge staying power when coming from last to first. Owned by Nathan Moloney, the 4-1 shot was still last as they approached the second last corner, however, she had all the answers late on. Ballymac Run looked in control for most of the journey, but Orchid Queen spoiled the party with a big late finish. A head the margin, with Faypoint Susie just getting the better of the Ballymac runner for second. A 28.80 winning performance.

Droopys Carbine (Droopys Jet-Droopys Pickles) is a youngster going places and the Pat Kiely trained runner delivered a high-class performance in the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Trial Stake. In the ownership of Mike Kiely and Michael Ryan, the 7-4 second favourite flew from traps to win the all-important early lead. In truth, the outcome was never in doubt as the exciting youngster displayed outstanding early speed to run out a wide-margin winner, in 28.37.

TEDDY WAS READY TO GO IN EASTER CUP

Ian Fortune

There was plenty to talk about at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night as the Bresbet Easter Cup got underway, providing some outstanding racing, including a best of the round run from last year’s Derby third Bens Teddy.

There were a few high-profile non-runners in the Easter Cup but those left in gave further notice that they are a special group of trackers.

Heat 1 – NEON LIGHTS UP SHELBOURNE

The Bresbet Easter Cup certainly started with a bang as 8-1 chance Neon Lights flew home to deny Beepers Lariat and long-time pace-setter and hot favourite Clonbrien Treaty.

All looked to be going to plan when Clonbrien Treaty came away on terms to dictate before the turn.

Beepers Lariat seemed the only realistic threat to the leader down the back straight but the whole complexion of the race was to change from the final turn. Neon Lights was only fifth to the opening bend, moving fourth as they entered the back straight but he was a long way off the front.

It was as they turned for home that things really started to happen. Clonbrien Treaty was starting to run out of steam, allowing Beepers Lariat to draw closer but, along the fence, Paul James’ Neon Lights was really starting to build a head of steam.

Coming home with a wet sail, the Alan Byrne trained son of Ballymac Best and Ballymac Natalie hit the front in the closing yards to emerge a length in front of Beepers Lariat in 29.93 with Clonbrien Treaty just a short head away in third.

Heat 2 – DUKE’S DOMINANT DISPLAY

In contrast to his kennel companion fifteen minutes earlier, the Graham Holland trained Clona Duke justified his billing as the warm favourite in Heat 2.

Going up fast, alongside Ballymac Marino, he nudged his way to the front on the corner.

It was to prove the decisive manoeuvre as none of his rivals could get back on terms with the former Juvenile Derby and Select Stakes champ. Highview Splash did show fine pace to challenge and head Ballymac Marino but was never going to challenge Clona Duke.

Showing no signs of rust in what was only his second outing this year, Kevin O’Brien’s Clona Duke emerged a comfortable winner in 29.79. The hugely talented son of Malachi and Coolavanny pearl saw off a rallying Ballymac Marino and Highview Splash by three and a half lengths and a head.  

Heat 3 – A WONDERFUL RETURN FOR UNDULATION

Undulation was one of the more straight forward heat winners.

In what was her first start since September, Brendan Matthews’ brilliant daughter of Pestana and Unlock Unlock flashed from trap five and quickly assumed control.

Miami King and Sogna In Grande were her nearest challengers for much of the way but neither could land a telling blow. Instead, Pennys Lynx ran on strongly to grab second spot in the closing yards but he too had no answer to Undulation as she ran out a ready four length winner in a fast 29.76. Pennys Lynx had a length in hand on Sogna In Grande.

Heat 4 – GORDEN LEAVES IT LATE

The absence of Mr Chelm and Carrick Aldo made the task of Superfast Gorden somewhat easier in Heat 4 and, while he did come out on top, it didn’t seem likely for a long way.

Superfast Gorden came away well to challenge in the opening yards but Ballymac Walt displayed wonderful acceleration to shoot clear on the outside of the track.

Showing real fluency around the opening two bends, Ballymac Walt opened a clear advantage to halfway and he maintained that lead to the third turn. Superfast Gorden didn’t seem to have an answer to the leader but then things began to change.

Turning for home, it was clear Ballymac Walt was starting to run low on oxygen. In contrast, the Pat Buckley trained Superfast Gorden was maintaining his speed and, with each stride, he drew closer. Owned jointly by Eamonn Doyle and Mark Hatton, Superfast Gorden took charge in the dying yards with the son of Broadstrand Bono and Jaytee Jordan coming through to win by two lengths in 30.06. There was a further half length back to the running on Jetstream Breeze in third.

Heat 5 – COCO WITH A SWEET DISPLAY

Within hours of capturing the Tote Gold Cup last month with Boylesports Coco, Dolores Ruth confirmed she was keen to have a crack at the Easter Cup with Boylesports Coco.

It seems a wise choice now after she displayed fine determination and ability to run out a superb winner of Heat 5, which was her first start over 550yds.

The daughter of Droopys Sydney and Barn Swallow broke on terms but had little daylight as they crossed the winning line on the run to the bend. It was only in the final fifty yards to the corner that she got on top. Driving the bend with real purpose, she quickly took charge.

Ballymac Finn also ran a superb second bend to enter the back straight in second. The race was now on with Boylesports Coco leading her familiar rival by a length and a half. By the third turn, Ballymac Finn and the remainder of the field were on the heels of the leader and looking threatening.

Boylesports Coco wasn’t concerned, however. The Gold Cup champ kicked again of the final turn to end the hopes of those in pursuit. Ballymac Finn faded home, leaving John Boyle’s wonderful Boylesports Coco to run out a most impressive length winner over the staying on Scotty Scheffler in 29.94. Glengar Martha was another length away in third.

Heat 6 – TEDDY SHOWS HIS TEETH

Kim Prichard’s Bens Teddy took no prisoners in the final heat, baring his teeth from the second turn to power his way past Nomadic Nova for a brilliant victory in ta fastest of the round 29.63.

The Derby third really did mean business, going up slightly faster than normal to slip around second behind Nomadic Nova.

De Lahdedah was the hot favourite in three but failed to hit stride after a reasonable start and found traffic on the turn when disputing second spot. Nomadic Nova shot up the outside of the track to lead into the bend, while Bens Teddy nudged Deadly Jet into De Lahdedah.

This maneouvre allowed Bens Teddy to move through into second spot, some three and a half lengths behind the pace-setter as they entered the back. For supporters of Nomadic Nova it was a form of slow torture with Bens Teddy drawing closer into the third turn.

He was still three lengths back at this point but, staying tight to the fence, the powerful son of Droopys Sydney and Beechgrove Bell began to eat into the leader’s advantage around the last two bends. By the time they turned for home, Bens Teddy was upsides Nomadic Nova and in full stride.

Predictably, the Pat Buckley trained powerhouse drew on to emerge a brilliant two length winner over Nomadic Nova. De Lahdedah was a further six lengths away in third.

Undercard

RIDE SALLY RIDE

One of the performances of the night came in the semi-finals of the This Runs Deep A1 525 with Mustang Sally initiating a fine double for Dolores Ruth.

This was over as soon as it began with Sean Bourke and Paul Horig’s daughter of Droopys Sydney and Mustang Kay Cee flashing from trap four to dominate.

Despite cutting for the fence, the January ’22 whelp comfortable cleared the corner and proceeded to gallop free throughout. At the line she had two and a half lengths in hand on the staying on Chasing Williebe in a fast 28.58.

RUTH CHARGES TO FRONT AT THREE

The opening semi-final saw Knockdrinna Ruth displayed a real burst of back straight pace to assert on the third turn for Keelan O’Donoghue and Robbie Dowling.

Sliabh Gcuillinn drove his way to the front on the bend and set a strong pace but Knockdrinna Ruth, after going second at the second bend, bridged the gap very quickly from halfway.

Charging to the front on the third turn, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and An Cailin Alainn went on to score by a length and a half from the fast-finishing Droopys Comrade in 28.94.

ABBIE GETS LOOSE IN FINALE

Recent Mullingar 550yd track record breaker Hawkfield Abbie took the finale in fine style for the potent combination of Ginger McGee and Jerry Connors.

A line of four greyhounds did battle into the turn but the inside line allowed Hawkfield Abbie assert.

Once going to the front, the daughter of Good News and Brownstown Tango always had the measure of those in behind. A powerful galloper that would stay further, Hawkfield Abbie went on to make every inch for an impressive four length victory over Riverside Pingu in 29.97. 

SCOTCH LEAVES IT LATE

The most dramatic finish of the night came in the penultimate race over 750yds with Rachel Holland’s Riverside Scotch (Droopys Sydney/ Riverside Honey) coming home well to lead in the dying strides. Ballymac Opera may have missed the start but displayed her four-bend speed to shoot to the front.

Going clear, she seemed a certain scorer halfway down the back straight only for her stride to shorten dramatically on the run in. In contrast, the Graham Holland trained Riverside Scotch and Daring Bono were maintaining a strong gallop and this set up a great finish. Riverside Scotch got first run on the leader and led in the closing yards to win by a half-length in 42.54. Daring Bono was second.

A FIRST FOR CHARLIE AND BEN

Charlie And Ben opened her Dublin account in the A2 second race, getting loose in the opening yards to make every yard.

Trained by Jack Kennelly for Paul McCartan, the daughter of Ballymac best and Archies Angel held off the persistent challenge of Flaminhasntabob by two lengths in 29.06.  

BABE SHINES IN OPENER

Racing opened with Starshine Babe scoring for Deanna William, Paul Spittle and handler Martin Sharkey.

Always prominent behind long-time leader Cayan Gent, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Stellas babe made a decisive move on the run in, finishing strongly to lead late for a length verdict over Cayan Gent in 29.03. 

KIRBY FEVER FOR MUSTANG AT LIMERICK

Peter Farrell

There were some incredible performances at Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Saturday night and it served as a starter course for what promises to be a mouth-watering renewal of the Con & Annie Kirby in six days’ time.

There was a really exciting debut for Radical Harry in race three as the Thomas O’Donovan-trained tracker posted one of the fastest debuts on record, however, the only place to start is with Mustang Fever, who landed the Con & Annie Kirby A0 Trial Stake in exceptional fashion.

Prince Naseem arrived at Limerick boasting an unbeaten career record after landing the ‘Joe Show’ Unraced at Kilkenny and as such, Shaun Conway’s charge was installed as the 2/1 joint favourite alongside Swords Hero. However, the contest resulted in a procession win for the Sean Bourke and Paul Horig-owned Mustang Fever as she delivered a performance of phenomenal quality in dismantling a classy field. Trained by Patrick Guilfoyle, the strapping 5/2 chance bolted from trap four and quickly put the contest to bed as she turned with four lengths in hand. Doubling her advantage within a few strides, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Mustang Kay Cee flew into the bottom corner to record a rapid 15.99 sectional and from here, she never relented in running out an emphatic, nine length winner over Prince Naseem in second. The time for this terrific tracker was a blistering 28.16.

SCORCHING DEBUT FROM HARRY

Prior to that, one of the hottest debuts on record was recorded in race three as Radical Harry produced a special display for Classic winning team, Ger Hutton and Thomas O’Donovan.

On paper, this looked like a two-dog affair with Radical Harry and Antigua Hawk both emerging from qualifying with exceptional cards and this so proved, as the duo drew clear of the field to battle it out. Fastest into stride from trap two, this proved ultimately decisive as Radical Harry got first run on ‘Hawk’ to hold his position throughout. Showing blistering speed down the far side, the son of Epic Hero and Vita Bella was always holding Antigua Hawk and despite the latter keeping the leader honest, he was never able to get on terms after a tardy start. Drawing clear of the other four participants, Radical Harry crossed the line two lengths clear of Antigua Hawk, in a special 28.18. Expect to hear plenty from this duo in the coming weeks and months.

KIRBY TRIAL STAKES

Elsewhere on the card, there were a number of other Kirby Trial Stakes on offer and the first of those was captured by Ballinabola Bill for the Greyhound-Trader-Racing-Club-Syndicate and Pat Buckley.

Only an August whelp, this is in fact a full brother off a repeat mating of Ballinabola Ed and he took a fine night to record a first career win for his connections. A 7/2 shot in the market, the powerful son of Confident Rankin and Dolls Lady made his intentions clear from the outset as he sped past In Good Time on the run-up. Quickly sweeping the turn, ‘Bill’ went two clear of Niofearrnabolt as he powered down the back and he duly stayed on stoutly to record a three length win over his rival, in a brisk 28.48.

Faypoint Sean was one of the ‘talking dogs’ towards the back-end of 2023 after following his litter brother, Faypoint Harvey’ home in the Munster Juvenile Cup at Clonmel and he booked his Kirby ticket in good style in the AA0 trial stake.

Known previously for his ‘make-all’ performances, Faypoint Sean (2/1)  showed a different thread to his bow on this occasion as he came from off-the-pace to score. It was Avongate Venus who showed the best of the early speed to lead from four, however, did look something of a sitting duck midway down the back as Faypoint Sean, Ballinabola Jim and Ballymac Dapper all closed. It was Patricia Flanagan’s charge however, that did take control between the bottom two bends and the son of Droopys Sydney and Roaming Shari stayed on brilliantly to see off Ballinabola Jim by one and a half lengths in second. The time was a slick 28.50.

DREAM FOR ORCHID IN A2 DECIDER

There was a tidy €1,000 up for grabs in the final of the Limerick Stadium A2 550 and this was landed by the Declan Moloney-owned Orchid Dream who made it back-to-back victories in the stake.

Orchid Dream, the 6/4 favourite, is a lightly raced sort given his age, however, he clearly has a big engine and this was fully on display last night at the Munster venue. Running from trap one, the strapping son of Droopys Sydney and Cicero was poorly into stride early doors but enjoyed a lovely passage to the opener to turn a close third behind the leader, Knockeen Dawn. Challenging at the halfway mark, the door was slammed shut by Knockeen Dawn, however, this was short-lived as the powerful Orchid Dream was always going to come back for more. Powering through at the crown of the final turn, Moloney’s charge drew clear thereafter as he displayed superb stamina to cross the line five lengths clear of Hazelhill Bucko in second. The time was a fantastic 29.85 for the 550-yard trip.

MOLL MAKES IT THREE ON THE SPIN

It would be remiss not to mention a hat-trick of wins on the card for the Adam Dunford-trained Fantasy Moll 11/10.

Owned by Leslie Coveney, Fantasy Moll just keeps on winning for her connections and despite running in top-class company, she brought her career tally to the dozen mark last night in a 550-yard event. It always pays to follow a bitch in form and Fantasy Moll was on-song from the outset as she sprang from trap three to lead early doors. Always holding a comfortable advantage thereafter, the daughter of Pestana and Newinn Madam was four and a half lengths too strong for Dromana Dano, in a fast 29.91.

AN OCEAN DOUBLE

Aside from the Open action, there was a fine double for the kennel of Tom Fitzgerald as both Ocean Mini and Ocean Tesla, two litter comrades, both landed their respective contests.

The first to score was Ocene Mini in an A3/A4 contest as the 5/1 outsider came from off-the-pace to win on the line. Poorly away from five, the strapping bitch showed fine early speed to recover and go third and she displayed some tidy acceleration down the back to move second at the penultimate turn. Looking a massive threat at this point, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Ocean Olive timed her run to perfection as she narrowly beat Killduff Barkley by a head, in 30.64 for the 550.

In the penultimate race on the card, the double was secured as Ocean Tesla also produced a powerful finish to come from behind. A 5/2 market chance, this lady looked out with the washing in the early exchanges as she trailed the field some twelve lengths last. However, showing sensational speed from the midway point, she picked her gaps brilliantly to storm to the front in the home straight and secure a one and a half length victory over Hazelhill Holly in second. The time was 29.04.

 

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