NASEEM WITH A DERBY KNOCKOUT AT KILKENNY
Ian Fortune
There were some fine displays in the opening round of the JAG Building Services & KGOBA Derby at Kilkenny on Friday night but none could match that of Prince Naseem, who was absolutely ruthless in his Heat 4 success, driving clear after a fast start to clock a sizzling 28.65.
Representing Kim Bergin and Shaun Conway, the powerful son of Droopys Sydney and Razldazl Annie doesn’t always get off the front but when he does, his power is a great asset. Despite edging inwards after a slick exit from four, he had enough to contain those on his inner, allowing him to slip around in front.
Pulling right away from halfway, he would eventually hit the line six lengths clear of Glitzy Magic with Wakeywakey Rakey the best of the remainder another length and a half back in third.
GEM SHINES
Julies Gem was one of only two favourites to win, coming home clear in Heat 2 for local handler Murt Leahy and the Gem Spring Syndicate.
The 6-4 market leader was at her sharpest, leading at the opening turn for the first time in her fourteen-start career.
Those familiar with the daughter of King Sheeran and Droopys Meteor would have known there was going to be no stopping her when she got loose. Orchid Legacy stayed on best of the remainder to take second but Julies Gem was most impressive as she merged a six-length winner in 28.77.
OLWYN FROM OFF THE PACE
Murt Leahy was again on the mark in Heat 3 with Ballybough Olwyn coming out on top.
Pat Carroll’s daughter of Droopys Sydney and Droopys Sweet was off the pace for much of the way but ran on well to lead off the final turn to hold the fast-finishing Russmur Shane by a half length in 29.15. There was two lengths to the early pace-setter Gortkelly John in third.
STACEY TOO GOOD
Russmur Shane may have been a close second but his kennel companion Russmur Stacey ran out an easy winner of Heat 6 for Stephen Dunne and Jeremiah Murphy.
Despite a bump after a stride, she flew into the turn to assume control. Racing clear of her rivals, the daughter of Black Parachute and Droopys Pen would eventually see off Ashmore Toby by six and a half lengths in 29.01. Phoenix Tyson was another length and a half adrift.
OZZY A REAL PRO
Creative Ozzy broke the 29 second barrier in the final heat when dominating from the second turn.
The 2-1 joint favourite disputed the lead into the turn with Bogger Dusty before moving on as they hit the back straight.
Lemon Ted stayed on well for second but Creative Ozzy was to emerge a comfortable winner for Gordon Rotheram and the Here We Go Again Three Syndicate. The son of Dromana Bucko and Paradise Asia raced to a facile our length victory in 28.91. Bogger Dusty was another three lengths back.
EBONY SLIPS THE FIELD
Liam Peacock’s Bogger Ebony had earlier caused a surprise in the opening heat, winning at odds of 10-1.
The daughter of Slippy Cian and Bogger Ophelia led from start to finish but was aided by traffic on the second turn that left her clear. Droopys Roar was challenging the leader at this point but checked on heels and was sent backwards, holding up the remainder of the field. Bogger Ebony seized her opportunity, staying on to beat Knocknadoguebale by two lengths in 29.55. Feelsawumble was third.
CANON FIRES
The strapping Burgess Canon emerged on top in Heat 5 for Paraic Campion, who has won this event in the past.
The son of Droopys Sydney and Burgess Helena made the most of his inside line, holding his pitch in the early yards before moving on at the turn. He proceeded to hold the persistent Headinthewindow by a half length in 29.39. Kapuka Warrior was third, some three and a half lengths further adrift.