PANTHER POUNCES FOR SELECT SUCCESS

Ian Fortune

Unanimouspanther was the toast of Nottingham on Monday night, handing Ireland a second straight success in the Jenningsbet Select Strakes as he raced clear of a top-class field.

Pat Buckley had the powerful son of Droopys Sydney and Mystical Moll spot on for the famous invitation race and he justified market support to dictate from the opening turn.

Untold Dollar, the other Irish raider, didn’t get the start he needed from one and was always struggling to get involved. In contrast, Unanimouspanther broke on terms before showing fine early speed to clear those on his inner.

Only for Links Maverick going up fast on the outside of the track, Unanimouspanther would have had a solo. As it was, Unanimouspanther took charge on the corner to quickly put the result beyond doubt.

By halfway, the Produce Stakes champion was two and a half lengths clear and on his way to a famous success. Links Maverick gave chase but he isn’t noted as a big finisher. Instead Barntick Bear ran on well from of the pace to grab second but there was no stopping the pace-setter.

Unanimouspanther may have weighed in at his very heaviest, nearly 90lbs, but he moves with real fluency and purpose. With the race firmly in the bag, he cruised home three and three quarter lengths clear of Barntick Bear in a fast 29.31. Untold Dollar recovered from opening bend traffic to finish four and three quarter lengths adrift in third.

The victory of Unanimouspanther saw him land the £12,500 winner’s purse bringing his career earnings in his first season to over €40,000. Not only has he captured the Produce Stakes and Select Stakes but he was also a finalist in the Lee Strand and finished a good third in the Dundalk International. He also starred in the early rounds of the Leger.

His lucky owner, Ciaran O’Sullivan can now start dreaming of even bigger targets with the Boylesports Derby on the horizon. Given his ability and ability to beat the best in the business, he has to be seen as one of the favourites to win the greatest race of them all at the all-new Shelbourne Park.