SIA GOES QUICKEST IN DEERJET SYDNEY @ STUD SEMIS

Peter Farrell

The semi finals of the Deerjet Sydney @ Stud A3 525 were the highlight on last night’s Limerick card and it was Blastoff Sia who went one better than her second-place finish last week to set the standard ahead of next week’s decider.

Blastoff Sia (Droopys Sydney - Blastoff Fizz) had a brilliant buckle with Ocean Hugo in last weekend’s opening round and although failing to get the nod on that occasion, the fast-finishing lady once again powered to the finishing line to head into next week’s decider with strong claims.

After posting a sensational 16.16 third bend sectional last time out, all eyes were on the Pat Buckley-trained Flashing Willow and despite him fluffing his lines once again at the start, he displayed that exceptional early pace to storm past Ocean Hugo early on. Taking a comfortable lead rounding the opener, Flashing Willow quickly opened a four length lead over Ocean Hugo and Blastoff Sia, who were neck and neck, as he produced that trademark electric speed down the back straight to stop the sectional clock at a smart 16.22. Kenny Glen’s charge still held all the aces rounding the penultimate bend, however, Blastoff Sia was now in her element as she quickly halved the lead and suddenly, Flashing Willow looked like a sitting duck up front. Railing like a cat in the final fifty yards, Blastoff Sia, owned by Owen Greene and trained by Pat Conway, stayed on strongly to soar up the rail and fly past a fading Flashing Willow in the closing stages. Claiming a one and a half length victory over Ocean Hugo, who also stayed on well to grab second, the time was 28.99 as Flashing Willow booked his spot in next week’s decider, a further head back in third.

MANUS MAKES ALL

After last weekend’s impressive performance from Coolavanny Palm, David Hogan’s bitch was expected to take a bit of beating in the second semi final but instead it was Glengar Manus who led from the outset to land a 4/1 upset.

Owned by the Manus-Syndicate, Glengar Manus reached the final of the Ballymac Cooper @ Stud 525 at Limerick last month and his consistency is proving key for connections as he will now contest his second final in four weeks in six days’ time. Fast away wearing the orange jacket, Glengar Manus was headed early on by Jaytee Japan and the duo were to serve up quite a buckle down the back straight as both greyhounds went neck and neck. However, showing brilliant determination Glengar Manus and the son of Ballymac Best and Droopys Mazda took control entering the penultimate bend and he stayed strong to hold off what was an eye-catching finish from Flyers Iniesta in second. Just three parts of a length in hand crossing the line, Flyers Iniesta showed plenty in behind as Jaytee Japan had to settle for third. The time was 29.26.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCE FROM BOYLESPORTS

Outside of the two semi finals of the Deerjet Sydney @ Stud 525, there were a couple of brilliant performances on show and none more so than Boylesportsglory who enhanced his glowing reputation ahead of a potential Kirby tilt.

Trained by Paul Hennessy for John Boyle, Boylesportsglory burst onto the scene with a spectacular 28.28 display at Shelbourne Park in November of last year and although he was having his first start of 2022 and his second in total, he looked electric in dismantling a good field. Heading to traps as the 6/4 favourite, the son of Good News and Charity Anna broke well from three but was headed early doors by Vincenzo in four. However, taking charge rounding the opening turn, Boylesportsglory showed brilliant pace down the back and he maintained a powerful gallop all the way to the winning line where had three and a half lengths in hand over Tyrap Luke in second. The time was a smashing 28.49.

GYMCRACK IMPRESSES

Shortly after, in race ten, Gymcrack made it three wins from four starts for Aidan Comerford and Marie Gilbert.

Only a July whelp, Gymcrack led from trap-to-line over the extended 575-yard trip last time out at Shelbourne and he showed he was just as sharp when stepping back to the standard distance. A 2/1 chance at the off, the son of Droopys Sydney and Palermo was quickly into stride from five and although chased hard by Adamant Approach throughout, he was never under threat and had three lengths to spare at the winning line. The time was a fast 28.67.

PROMISING DEBUT FROM BAMBIS

Earlier in the card there was an excellent performance from Bambis Magic who landed an ON2 525 in scintillating style.

Jointly owned by Brian Brussels and Peter Quealy, Bambis Magic came into the event with two smart trials and he duly followed those up with a performance which was all one-way traffic. An August 20’ son of Droopys Sydney and Vigorous Hilary, Bambis Magic flashed from trap two and from here, he never gave his supporters any reason to worry as the even money shot came home eight lengths clear of Ready For Aoife in second. A lot to like about this performance, the time was a rapid 28.72.

POPPY BLOSSOMS IN 750

There was also some marathon action on display last night at Limerick and there were no shocks in the D1/D2 contest as Magical Poppy justified her 2/5 starting price.

Trained by Patrick Guilfoyle for Donal Guilfoyle, Magical Poppy is a top-class four bend performer and after clocking a brilliant 28.59 on her last outing at Galway, she was hot order ahead of a return to six bend racing. Running from trap two, the daughter of Confident Rankin and Cabra Twister was quickest into stride and in truth, once in front she was never going to be reeled in. Stopping the sectional clock at a rapid 13.07, Magical Poppy maintained her relentless gallop all the way to the winning line and she was two lengths better off than Bling Bling Paul, who also ran a fine race, in second. The time was a fast 42.13.