JO JO SETS NEW FIGURES IN TREATY CUP DECIDER
Peter Farrell
Despite the absence of Flashing Willow in the final of 2023 Treaty Cup at Limerick Greyhound Stadium last night, patrons were treated to something a little special as Cree Jo Jo blew his rivals away, while setting a new track record in the process.
Trained by Owen McKenna for Paul Carpenter, Cree Jo Jo came into the Treaty Cup fresh off a blistering 18.49 trial effort around the Munster venue. Indeed, in the opening round, he ran an absolute stormer as he wore down Flashing Willow late on to narrowly miss out by a mere length. Coming into the decider, Zippy Canning was understandably installed the favourite after his 18.40 return last time out but in truth, this was never a contest as 9/4 chance Cree Jo Jo made his intentions clear from the outset. Trapping brilliantly from five, Cree Jo Jo was briefly headed by the reserve Starson Rebel in six, however, this was short-lived as McKenna’s charge displayed immediate early gears to gallop into a three length lead rounding the opener. Clearly setting a blistering pace, the son of Laughil Blake and Coolavanny Chick never took his foot off the gas thereafter as he blazed a red-hot trail up the Limerick straight to see off Starson Rebel by an impressive three lengths. The time was an incredible 18.36, which is .1 spot faster than the previous track record held by Blame The Game. Many congratulations are extended to Paul Carpenter and Owen McKenna on landing this fantastic €2,000 renewal.
UNA QUICKEST IN JOHN WHELAN SECOND ROUND ACTION
The second round heats of the John Whelan Memorial Cup A3 525 provided top-class supporting action and after a formidable opening round display, Ballinabola Una once again produced a fine performance for Grainne Murphy and Aoibheann O’Leary.
Trained by Pat Buckley, the December 21’ half-sister to Ballinabola Ed once again found herself with plenty of work on her plate as she broke only moderately to sit third early doors. Freeway Sharky led the way at this point, however, he chased home Ballinabola Una in the opening round and he was to suffer the same fate for a second consecutive week. Setting a strong gallop, Freeway Sharky couldn’t contain Ballinabola Una as she upped the ante at the penultimate turn to take charge. Still all to play for in entering the home straight, the daughter of Burgess Bucks and Dolls Lady came out on the right side of a ding-dong battle to record a three parts of a length victory over Freeway Sharky, with Freedom Reader claiming the final qualification spot in third. The time was 28.66 for the even money chance.
ROUNDING UP THE HEATS
Next best in terms of the clock was Patterdale Gigi for joint owners, Maureen and Sally Mounsey. Managing third in the opening round, the September 20’ whelp got back to winning ways with a trap to line display. Rocketing out of trap four, the daughter of Magical Bale and Patterdale Lena never saw another tail as she held off the power-packed finish of Four Bullets in second. The time for the 2/1 favourite was 28.74 as Ballygraigue Jim claimed third.
Local owner, Corona Ryan, got in on the act in the heat two as Glengar Jasmine justified her even money price tag, but only just. It was Dazzes Beauts who led early from four but Rattlefence, as expected, took charge off the second turn. At this point, Glengar Jasmine moved into second and loomed large approaching the penultimate turn as Rattlefence continued to hold a slender advantage. Forced to check, Glengar Jasmine has to restart her challenge on the run for home but the daughter of Droopy Sydney and Glengarbadminton did so expertly to get up in the dying strides and deny Rattlefence victory. Just a short-head between the pair, the time was 28.90 with Dazzes Beauts further three parts of a length back in third place.
The gloss was taken slightly off the final heat of the night with Droopy Nemesis a non-runner, however, Eireanns Hope stepped up expertly to score. A 5/2 shot at the off, the son of Droopys Noah and Ballydurn Sophie had to do things the hard way as Innfield Place showed the superior early dash to lead. However, sticking to his guns well was Eireanns Hope and he took up the running in the closing yards to seal a length and a half victory from Young Tiernan in second. The time was 28.95.