MANDOLIN ON TUNE IN RCETS

Ian Fortune

Droopys Mandolin is bred to be special and, so far, has backed it up on the track, maintaining an unbeaten record in the final of the hugely valuable RCETS Open Unraced at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night. 

The 7-2 third choice in the betting behind Grouchos Duke and her own kennel companion Droopys Tico, she quickly established herself as the one to beat. Breaking fastest, the Robert Gleeson trained daughter of Laughil Blake and Droopys Curio was electric into the turn, opening a comfortable advantage.

Grouchos Duke shook off Droopys Tico to move second and challenge the leader into the back straight but he could never get past. Instead, Droopys Mandolini asserted before halfway and ran right to the line. Unbeatable came from out of the pack to chase the leader hard from the third turn but it was a futile chase.

Droopys Mandolin, owned by brothers Pat and Alan Dobbs, galloped right to the line to score by an impressive three length margin in 28.45. Grouchos Duke, after failing to dictate, was another three lengths adrift in third.

Richie O'Regan presents the trophy to Allan Dobbs and the connections of Droopys Mandolin winner of the RCETS ON1 525 final at Shelbourne Park. Also included are trainer Robert Gleeson, Michael Dempsey Racing Manager and Derek Frehill Director of Racing GRI.            Pic: Imelda Grauer

Shelbourne Undercard

ALF IMPRESSIVE ON SHELBOURNE DEBUT  

The Pillar Syndicate owned Ballinakill Alf made a successful Shelbourne Park debut in the ninth race on the card, showing massive early dash to slip up the inside of the fast-starting Role Model on the bend.

Once going to the front, it was all one-way traffic. The Graham Holland trained son of Pestana and Newinn Madam was so impressive as he shot clear before coming home with three lengths to spare over Role Moel in a rapid 28.30.

FOGGY GETS LOOSE

Foggy Bottom (Ballymac Best/ Corduff Flame) was a well-supported winner of the finale as he made the most of his early speed to get first run on Verratti.

The latter challenge to the third turn and may have briefly struck the front, but Laurence Jones’ Foggy Bottom eased on at the final turn to emerge a two and a half length winner in a rapid 28.42. 

ELSIE HOLDS ON

Only four went to traps in the eleventh race with Colm O’Neill’s Ballyroe Elsie getting to the front early to hold the late charge of The Other Breac.

The latter actually broke smartly but was a little outpaced into the turn. In contrast, Ballyroe Elsie displayed fine early zip to move on.

The Pat Whelan trained daughter of Lenson Bocko and Rural Romance skipped clear before containing her rival by a head in 28.95.