KILCOLGAN COMET SETS THE STANDARD IN ROUND ONE OF THE DENIS LINEHAN SOLICITORS UNRACED

Barry Drake

KILCOLGAN COMET (Pat C Sabbath-Razldazl Valerie) set the standard in the opening round of the Denis Linehan Solicitors Unraced Stake at Curraheen Park on Saturday night.

Sent off the well-fancied 5-4 favourite after his impressive recent 28.26 trial around course and distance, the Neilus O'Connell-trained runner looks like a very exciting sort.

Owned by Karen Geoghegan, the July puppy flashed from traps, showing massive early speed and the impressive winner went on to make every yard of the running. Broadstrand Noah was a massive eye catcher in second, just a length behind, in 28.60. Three quarters of a length back to Mill Race in third place.

NEXT BEST ON THE CLOCK

Next best on the clock was Ballymac Joey as the son of Ballymac Bolger and Ballymac Arminta when taking the second heat for Liam Dowling.

In front soon after the opening corner, the 7-4 shot showed plenty of back straight pace to quickly take control.  All one way traffic up front, Ballymac Joey stormed to a six and a half length success, in 28.73. Droopys Rocker was next best with three and a half lengths back to Romeo Command in third. Only four went to traps.

HEAT THREE

Velasco took the third and final heat for trainer Owen McKenna and owner Des Grace.

A son of Ballymac Boger and Ballymac Arminta, the September puppy was quickest into stride and the 5-4 shot had enough early pace to lead Bockos Crystal around the opening corner. Always doing enough in front, Velasco was forced to pull out all the stops to beat Bockos Crystal, by a neck, in 28.82. Out the back early on, Droopys Dancer finished powerfully to get within a short head of the second. 

The €5,000 to the winner event will continue on Saturday night with two superb semi finals.