MUNSTER OAKS OFF TO A FLYING START IN KILCOHAN PARK

Barry Drake

Saturday night's racing at Kilochan Park produced several top-class performances.

Glengar Martha went in quickest in the opening round of the Dave Collins Memorial Munster Oaks.  Trained by Pat Buckley for owner William Wood, the 3-1 shot was always towards the head of affairs and she dug deep in the closing stages to get the better of Millroad Girl, by three quarters of a length, in 28.54. Two lengths back to Rose Model in third.

Out the back early on, Eazy Razzle showed plenty of pace and power when finishing with a flourish to take the closing heat for trainer John Linehan and owner Barry Rocks. Showing plenty of speed from halfway, the 2-1 shot powered to a 28.57 victory, three and a half lengths clear of Clonmore Alice, with a length back to long-time leader Chelms Ramona.

Trainer Pat Buckley also took the opening heat as Glengar Bridie obliged for owner R.A.Colwell. In front throughout, the 4-6 market leader had to be brave in the home straight to hold off the fast finishing Montana Fantasy, by a neck, in 28.65. Three and a half lengths back to Burgess Orlaith in third place.

In the second heat, Newinn Nifty scored for owner Simon Taylor and trainer Graham Holland. In control from the first corner, the 7-4 shot always looked strong as the in-form tracker ran on well to beat Footfield Siren, by two lengths, in 28.57. A neck back to Velvet Duchess in third place.

Epic Chick (Grangeview Ten-Jaytee Osprey) delivered a sensational debut display in heat number two of the Casey's Caravan & Camping ON1 Stake. A Febuary puppy, John Kennedy's young lady broke well and despite moving out a few lanes from trap two, she flew around the opening corners in top gear. Cloneen Flyer was within a length or two till about halfway, but then the impressive winner quickly put the race to bed. Pulling further and further clear, it was a stunning debut effort as Epic Chick clocked an outstanding 28.18, 13 lengths clear of Cloneen Flyer, with a length back to Burgess King in third place.

In the opener, Bogger The Kid (Slippy Cian-Bogger Ophelia) looks a greyhound going places after the 4-6 favourite clocked a really likeable 28.62. Liam Peacock's March youngster got the better of Carefree Charm, by a head, in 28.62.

Glenbervie Pooka (Ballymac Bolger-Odell Ayla) was another to catch the eye when making a winning debut in heat number three. Owned by Damien and Maurice O'Regan, the November youngster, a 1-2 favourite, displayed plenty of early pace to beat Rockmount Rebel, by two lengths, in 28.62. Two lengths back to Star Molly in third place.

In the fourth and final heat, Droopys Journey (Droopys Sydney-Droopys Pizazz) landed the spoils for owners Sean and Pat Hegarty and trainer John Linehan. The 4-6 favourite won easily, in 28.73.