WI CAN DREAM LAYS DOWN A SERIOUS MARKER IN KINGDOM DERBY

Barry Drake

WI CAN DREAM laid down a serious marker in the opening round of the Eric Browne Memorial Kingdom Derby at Tralee on Friday night.
A winner of the Greyhound & Petworld Juvenile Classic around course and distance last year, the 7-4 second choice of the punters returned to his very best form with a magnificent front running winning performance. Flashing from traps and quickly putting the race to bed, Wi Can Dream was soon clear and the Patrick Guilfoyle trained runner went on to win easily.

Owned by Anita and Lars Wicander, the classy winner beat Stream Of Sydney, by four lengths, in 28.16. Two and a half lengths back to Ballymac Run in third.
STRONG RUN
Heat three went the way of Disco Pants for trainer Michael Daly and owners John Breen and Conor Daly.

The 2-1 favourite turned alongside the early pace and proved much the stronger in the second half of the race. A two length success from early leader Millridge Andy, by two lengths, in 28.50. Three lengths back to Burgess Rapid in third.
WINNING EASILY
Trained by Pat Buckley for owners Paddy Kehoe and Enda Currie, Cloneden Flash made all the running in the opening heat.

Showing lovely dash and with trouble in behind, the 9-4 shot went on to win easily, in 28.67. Saleen Sam was six lengths back in second, with a length and a half back to Bolt You Sayin in third place.
IN OTHER HEATS
Race three was a messy affair, but there was no stopping Burgess Darcy as the 6-1 chance broke best and sailed around the opening turns in front. In the care of Sheila Spillane and JJ Fennelly, the March puppy came home five lengths clear of Cornetto, who showed massive pace after getting into early trouble. Six lengths the margin, in 28.66, with half a length back to Solid Serene in third place.
Sunshine Dream ran out a 28.51 winner of race five. Trained by Brendan Maunsell for owner Brid Maunsell, the 5-2 winner put on a determined performance to land the spoils. In front early on, Millridge Bobby then put on a serious challenge but the winner wasn't for denying. A two length success, with hot favourite Ballymac Finn nine lengths back in third after early trouble.
The race of the night came in the final heat as Ballymac Whispa delivered a strong late run to deny favourite Tullig Raven. The last named didn't get the clearest runs but he did manage to lead heading into the final corners, but the Liam Dowling trained BAllymac Whispa was coming with her big finish. The 6-4 second favourite flew down the home straight and she just got the better of Tullig Raven. A short head the difference, in 28.60.