Barry Drake
The opening round of the €5,000 to the winner Nolan C.V.R.T Test Centre Kerry Oaks got off to a flying start in the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium last night.
It was a great night for the Liam Dowling kennels and Ballymac Wendy (Ballymac Anton-Mucky Harbour) went quickest in the fourth heat. A powerful all round performance as the 5-4 favourite clocked 28.36, five lengths clear of Steeple Rd Brave in second.
The Dowling team had earlier struck with Ballymac Whispa (Ballymac Anton-Ballymac Minton), the short priced 1-2 favourite made no mistake in the third heat. Producing a really strong finish to score, in 28.51, with a length back to Rockanes Blake in second place.
Ballymac Opera (Ballymac Cashout-Ballymac Arminta) delivered one of her typical powerful finishes to win the second heat for the Dowling kennels. Making the most of the drop in class, the 2-1 shot returned to top form, in 28.68, a length and a half clear of Samba Bailey.
Charlie And Ben (Ballymac Best-Archies Angel) landed the opening heat for trainer Jack Kennelly and owner Paul Mccartan. The April puppy pulled away in the latter stages to win easily, clocking 28.85 and proving a length and a half clear of Shes Got Class.
Confident Keely (Confident Rankin-Sarasota Chik) landed the closing heat for trainer Michael Baker and owner Jeremiah Kerins. In front early on, the 5-2 shot pulled away for a fine victory, posting 28.66 and proving five lengths too strong for Fire Height Tara.