TOOLMAKER ZIPPER STANDOUT PERFORMER IN CORK CUP

Barry Drake

The second round of the Cork Cup produced some fantastic racing at Curraheen Park on Saturday night.

Toolmaker Zipper, trained by Robert Gleeson for William Hyslop, laid down a serious marker with a stunning 28:36 winning performance in heat two.

Quickest from traps, the 4-6 market leader was two clear of Jaytee Wexford at the opening bend. In top gear heading down the back straight, he quickly pulled six lengths clear. A magnificent winning performance, four and a half lengths clear of the running on Jaytee Wexford. There was a further four lengths back to Giddyupgonzo in third.

OPENING HEAT

In the opening heat, Rockybay Rusty delivered a strong performance to win for trainer Kieran Lynch and owner Chrissie Slyne.

Haven Blue took them along for most of the journey, but the 6-4 winner always looked dangerous in second. Once Haven Blue ran wide off the last corner, it then opened the door for the fast-finishing Rockybay Rusty. At the line, half a length separated them in 28.57. Battaash five lengths behind the runner up in third.

IN OTHER HEATS

Heat three went the way of Brogan Highway when stopping the clock in 28.79.

Owned by John and Marguerite O'Donoghue, the winner was in serious trouble early on as he was only fifth turning into the back straight. Ashgrove Moana was setting the early pace, but the eye was soon drawn to Droopys Highest as he was going into overdrive from halfway.

At the second last corner, Droopys Highest looked to be coming with a winning run but he turned right which caused massive interference. The strong running winner then came through to land the spoils. A 7-1 outsider, he came home six lengths clear of Bartlemy Jas with four and a half lengths back to Ballyboy Deme in third.

BACK-TO-BACK WINS

Triangle Ricardo recorded back-to-back wins in the closing heat.

Owned by Nicholas Nolan, the early paced winner had to battle hard to get the better of Lockdown Blues at the opening corner. In control from there, he was then forced to dig deep in the closing stages. Mulcair Jet was finishing well, but the line came in time for the winner. The even-money favourite scored by three-quarters of a length, in 28.64. Witches Sydney a length behind the runner up in third.

€1,000 FINAL

Race seven, the €1,000 final of the RCETS App A3 stake went the way of Hawthorn Brian for Patrick O'Connor.

A promising April puppy, the 5-2 winner was making it win number three on just outing number six.

Taking over from Our Sydney just before the opening corner, his task was made much easier with the trouble in behind. Soon clear, the bright prospect was showing plenty of speed upfront. Coconut Crash ran well for second, five and a half lengths back, in 28.74.

FOUR TIMER 

Local trainer Kieran Lynch was in superb form.

Landing a four-timer courtesy of Without Sunshine (28.72), Butterbridge Kid (28.85), Rockybay Rusty (28.57), and Berties Cuddles (28.76).