CHURCHTOWN BUCKS SETS THE STANDARD IN CURRAHEEN PARK

Barry Drake

Churchtown Bucks, trained by Denis Fitzgerald for owner Mick Crotty, set the standard in Curraheen Park on Saturday night as the well-fancied 4-5 favourite clocked a smart 28.64 when winning race 10, an A0 event.

A strong running sort, once he came away running from his favored trap one draw, he was always going to take the world of beating. Quivers Pebbles was alongside heading around the opening turns, but Chuchtown Bucks opened up on the back straight, quickly pulling four lengths clear. Following up on his recent winning performance around Youghal, Bucks stayed on strongly in the closing stages and he came home with four and a half lengths to spare over Quivers Pebbles, making it an 11th career success for the in-form winner. 

BALLYBOY DEME BACK TO WINNING FORM

A recent second in the Gold Collar A1 stake at Shelbourne Park, Ballyboy Deme returned to winning ways when delivering a fine performance to win race 11, an A1 contest.

Trained by David Harrington for owner Jerry O'Brien, the even-money favourite produced a good start and he was in a great battle with Droopys Highest throughout. On top in closing stages, the winner pulled away to win by two and a half lengths, in 28.78.

PROMISING BEE IN COURT

The promising Bee In Court was another impressive winner on the night.

Trained by Liam Hayes for owner Denis Linehan, the January pup ran out a convincing winner of race six, an A2, by seven lengths, in 28.71. In front just before the opening corner, the bright prospect showed terrific back straight pace to storm clear. Always in control, the son of Droopys Roddick ran out a brilliant winner.