BIG CHAMP SETS STANDARD IN ENNISCORTHY

Ian Fortune

De Big Champ set a strong standard in the semi-finals of the valuable Slaneyside Kenels A2/A3 Tri Distance at Enniscorthy on Thursday night, charging home to win the opening heat in a quick 30.13 for the 550yd trip.

Certainly, the manner of his success suggests the step up to 575yds for next week’s decider won’t be a problem. Owned by James and John Nevin, the son of Black Parachute and Nametab Gigi sat behind the fast- starting Tech Screw Jimmy for much of the contest before asserting at the third turn.

From there, De Big Champ eased on, finishing full of running, three lengths clear of the early pace-setter. Metric Strike overcame early crowding to grab third, a further length and a half adrift.

DIMINUTIVE CHLOE DOMINATES

The tiny Slaine Chloe belied her big odds to win the second heat in trap to line fashion.

Michael O’Rourke’s daughter of Ballymac Best and Fahy Dasher was simply too sharp or her rivals. Flashing from three to make every inch to contain the staying on Rathnew Duchess and Ballyroe Buckeye by three parts of a length and a length in 30.36. It’s worth pointing out that the winner was never headed into the escape. In fact, she increased her lead.

TIGER ON THE PROWL

Cosy Tiger took the third heat for John Toft.

There was plenty to like about the display of the son of Jaytee Yankee and Darver Bridie. Despite a slow start from four, he found a way to turn second, showing great track craft to chase Rasta Toddy into the back straight. Edging on at halfway, he kicked from the final turn to emerge a two and a half length winner in 30.49, although he was good for better.

Rasta Toddy took second, while Ballinabola Best was best of the remainder in third, some three parts of a length further back.