BIBLE BLITZES RIVALS AS CLONMEL SWEEPSTAKE ACTION HEATS UP

Peter Farrell

There were some top-class performances last night at Clonmel Greyhound Stadium as various sweepstake action continued but it was Bogger Bible who once again shone brightest as Liam Peacock’s greyhound dominated the semi finals of the Clonmel A1/A2 525.

A finalist in the prestigious Kilkenny Champion Unraced, Bogger Bible arrived at Clonmel last week for his first race at the Suirside circuit and he looked right at home, posting 28.71 on that occasion. However, that was merely a taster of what was to follow as the talented September son of Skywalker Farloe blitzed his rivals last night to go over fifty spots quicker than the other semi final victor. The 6/4 favourite at the off, Bogger Bible wasted absolutely no time in taking control as he flashed from trap three to quickly assert. Running a fantastic first bend, Liam Peacock was sitting pretty down the back as he held a one-two with Bogger Hunter chasing down his kennel companion and litter brother. Second place was all that he could hope for on this occasion however, as Bogger Bible drew clear of the field, showing huge acceleration as he stopped the third bend sectional in 16.03. A really emphatic display from a greyhound who has now won his last three races, the time was a blistering 28.48 as Bogger Hunter claimed second eleven lengths further back. The final qualifying position went to Coosey Hill in third.

In the other semi final, Coolbunnia Frank made it back-to-back wins for Noel Ryan and Lester Power with a trap-to-line success. A winner last time out in 28.89, Coolbunnia Frank flashed from trap five this time around to post a 2.75 sectional early doors. Holding all the aces rounding the opener, the son of Laughil Blake and Market Glory made it four wins from his last five starts as he galloped to a three and a half length success over Moorestown Buster in second. The time was 29.00 with Cashen Ubari taking third.

ROMEO DOUBLE IN KILLEE UNRACED

The semi finals of the Killee Town ON2/ON3 525 Unraced were also down for decision last night and it was a David FIrmager takeover as both Romeo Sub Zero and Romeo Blade landed the two semis.

Both trained by Adam Dunford, it was Romeo Blade who went quickest in the second semi final as he built impressively on his 29.84 clock last weekend. A generous 4/1 shot at the off, the January 21’ son of Dorotas WIldcat and Drive On Betsy came away slowly from three but he nestled in behind Serene Luke early on to turn a close second. However, this was to be short-lived as Romeo Blade quickly shot to the front off the second turn and proceeded to outpace his rivals thereafter. Galloping to a comprehensive ten and a half length victory, the time was a smart 28.71.

In the opening semi final, Romeo Sub Zero got the Firmager/Dunford partnership off to a flier. Another opening round scorer, the son of Droopys Sydney and Fabulous Nigella went to traps a 2/1 chance and although Galtee King led for three parts of the contest, Romeo Sub Zero displayed superior stamina to wear down his rivals. Taking charge at the penultimate turn, Romeo Sub Zero cranked it up a notch on the run for home and he was six lengths too strong for Fahrenheit Lily at the winning line. The time was 29.33.

BANDIT QUICKEST IN KILSHEELAN SEMIS

The semi finals of the Kilsheelan Gallop A3/A4 525 also featured on last night’s card and it was Bandit Blaze who went narrowly quickest.

Owned by Liam Harding, the September 20’ son of Skywalker Farloe and Bottle Of Banter, a brother to Bogger Bible, broke well from his inside draw in two and this was the key to success for Bandit Blaze. Rounding the opener in control, Harding’s charge set a strong gallop thereafter and he stayed on stoutly to deny Errill Magpie by one length at the line. The time was 29.15.

The other semi final was landed by Emers Dixie as she caused a 6/1 upset with what proved to be a comfortable victory. Owned by Emer Dunne, Emers Dixie came away racing from trap five and she asserted control rounding the opening turn. From here, the daughter of Droopys Jet and Kereight Star doubled her career tally as she crossed the line with two and a half lengths in hand over Bows Hill Star. The time was 29.19.