PROMISING WILLOW LIGHTS UP DUNDALK

Ian Fortune

There were some tremendous performances over the weekend, be it in the opening round of the RCETS Gold Cup at Shelbourne Park or the second round of the Rural Kennels Unraced at Clonmel but one that went under the radar somewhat was that of Flashing Willow at Dundalk on Saturday as he posted a brilliant 21.05.

In what was just his fourth career start, Helen Gould’s hugely promising son of Laughil Blake and Cabbage posted a rapid 21.05 despite a moderate start and swinging wide off the second turn. The Aidan McVeigh trained youngster won’t be two until May but it’s clear he is one to keep an eye on. 

Showing tremendous early speed after a tardy start, the well-balanced tracker shot to the front into the bend before racing clear of his rivals to score by almost four lengths. Given the fact that he won his debut in late November in 21.21, it was always clear he had a bright future but he really does stan out as on to keep an eye on. There is plenty to suggest a step up to 525yds won’t be a problem and we look forward o tracking his progression.