BALLYMAC OPERA SETS THE STANDARD IN THE KERRY OAKS

Barry Drake

The second round of the Nolan C.V.R.T Test Centre Kerry Oaks delivered some fantastic racing in the Kingdom on Friday night.

On a slow running circuit, it was Ballymac Opera (Ballymac Cashout-Ballymac Arminta) who went quickest when winning the fourth and final heat. Out the back early, the 5-2 shot powered down the back straight, in front before the second last corner, she held the running on Ballymac Whispa, by two lengths, in 29.12. (.50 slow).

Next best on the clock was Charlie And Ben (Ballymac Best-Archies Angel) when winning heat three for Paul McCartan. The 5-2 winner delivered a fine performance to land the spoils. Winning the all important early lead, she was strong throughout as she pulled right away to win easily. A 29.25 winning run, seven lengths clear of Millridge Poppy who was back in second.

In the second heat, Call Me Quick (Laughil Blake-Cloneyogan Flash) came home in front for Gerry Horgan. Samba Bailey made a lot of the running, but the 6-1 winner was always within touching distance and she pulled out more in the closing stages to win, by two lengths, in 29.29.

In the opening heat, Sign On Millie (Magical Bale-Mayfly) scored in 29.48. Showing lovely early speed to slip around in front, the 6-1 shot displayed plenty of early speed and she overcame crowding at the third corner to return to winning ways for owner Jack Slattery. It was a great way to remember Sign On Millie's trainer the late Anthony Slattery, a stalwart greyhound owner and a gentleman, a well loved face around Tralee for many many years, who sadly passed away earlier this week.