GARFINEY BLAZES TRAIL AS RPGTV CORN CUCHULAINN HOTS UP
Peter Farrell
Aside from the BoyleSports Champion Stakes action at HQ last night, the second round heats of the RPGTV Corn Cuchulainn Open 750 also featured on the card and there were some sensational performances on offer.
The opening round of the Corn Cuchulainn saw Threesixfive post the quickest return and although she duly made it three wins on the spin last night, it was Garfiney Blaze who raised the bar with an incredible display in the last of the second round heats.
Trained by Graham Holland, who was creating history in Towcester last night, Garfiney Blaze was also a fine winner of his opening round assignment as he raced to a 41.44 success and he continued his unbeaten run over the marathon trip as he came from off-the-pace to score. The 4/6 favourite at the off, Garfiney Blaze broke nicely from trap one but was briefly headed in the opening exchanges by the hugely fast McNeill. In truth, what was to follow was a two dog match race between the duo as they went nip and tuck around the opening two corners and passed the post first time around with little over a neck to separate the pair. However, Garfiney Blaze, owned by Michael Lynch, took charge entering the fourth turn and he was to prove a class above his rivals thereafter as he once again outlined what a talent he is over the six-bend trip. Showing blistering speed down the back straight, the son of Ballymac Anton and Ballymac Merkle maintained a relentless gallop all the way to the winning line and the strapping black was two and a half lengths too strong for McNeill crossing the line. The final qualifier was Peters Sydney who was a further six lengths back in third. The time was a sensational 41.15, the one to beat going forward in the classic.
FIVE-STAR KENTURK
Kenturk Road was chasing her fifth straight victory over the marathon trip last night and she duly obliged in the opening heat of the night.
Trained by Liam Dowling for Frank Thornton, Kenturk Road was a runaway winner of her opening round assignment and as such, she was installed as the 4/6 favourite to make it five on the spin over the marathon distance. Quickest into stride from trap two, Kenturk Road held a two length advantage over Hanover Phantom early on and the pair had plenty in hand over nearest rival Haka Carlo in third. The daughter of Ballymac Cashout and Ballymac Arminta continued to hold all the aces down the back and she looked a certain winner with Hanover Phantom making no inroads in second place. Meanwhile, kennel companion Ballymac Katie had plenty to do in order to qualify but she started to motor midway down the back straight in her pursuit of her rivals. No doubt about the winner, Kenturk Road maintained a strong gallop and she was to bring home a one-two for Liam Dowling as Ballymac Katie showed tremendous gears to fly up the inner and seal second place. Just one and a half lengths separating the duo crossing the line, it was a further half length back to Hanover Phantom in third. The time was a fast 41.35.
THREESIXFIVE A BIG PLAYER
The remaining second round heat saw Threesixfive also make it back-to-back wins in this year’s classic for Scott Phelan and the Pints-Of-Heino syndicate.
As mentioned, Threesixfive went quickest in last week’s opening round as she posted a slick 41.30 and although not reaching those heights this weekend, she still had plenty in hand to see off her rivals. The 4/9 favouite at the off, Threesixfive pinged the lids from trap four to lead Prince Lucius into the opener. From here, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Dunquin Anna extended her lead over Prince Lucius approaching the fourth turn, however, there was still only three lengths separating the leading trio, with Ranchers Master also showing interest back in third. That said, it was around the bottom two bends where Threesixfive came into her own. Staying on brilliantly in the final yards, Phelan’s charge proved too hot to handle for Prince Lucius as she crossed the line with two lengths in hand, with Ballybough Champ coming through for third. The time was 41.51.