SUPERSTAR SUSIE BACK TO TOP FORM IN THE KINGDOM

Barry Drake

It was great to see Susie Sapphire return to winning ways in the opening semi-final of the Callaway Rambler @ Stud Race Of Champions in Tralee last night.

The 4-6 favourite, who is trained by Owen McKenna for owner Peter Comerford, produced one of her typical flying starts and she set a strong early pace from Good Cody. Powering along up front, Susie always had a length and a bit to spare over Good Cody who himself was showing plenty of pace in second. Keeping on well up front, Susie Sapphire held Good Cody, by a length and a half, in a really good 29.60. Loher Ron showed big finishing speed to grab third, only a length behind the runner-up.

CRACKING FINISH 

Defending champion Explosive Boy just did enough to see off Buckos Budsit in the second semi final.

Trained by Patrick Guilfoyle for owner Peter Sutcliffe, the 5-4 market leader showed nice early dash, but he had to settle for second best early as Buckos Budsit was in total control. Three lengths clear late in the back straight, the leader was going along nicely, but Explosive Boy is now really strong over this trip and he pulled out all the stops to get the verdict, by the shortest of margins, in 29.68. Skywalker Barry got the all-important third place finish, a short head in front of the running on Gaston Pecas. 

STAR IN THE MAKING

Fromposttopillar (Droopys Sydney-Rafa Babys Baby) looks a real star after making a sensational racing debut in the K.G.S.S.C Unraced Stakes Semi final.

In the ownership of Paddy Flaherty, the November puppy, a 6-4 shot in the market, just had enough early to slip around in front. In full flight heading down the back straight, he showed devastating speed to move clear. Pulling further and further clear, the exciting talent came home ten lengths clear of her nearest rival, in a top-class, 28.28.

IN OTHER HEATS

Hitting the front before the opening corner, Murphys Buick (Droopys Buick-Dream Believer) showed plenty of pace when winning the opening heat for owners Nicholas Murphy and Philip Ryan. Trained by Patrick O'Connor, the October puppy clocked 28.92 and he beat the eye-catching Ballymac Bailey, by half a length, in 28.82.

The opening heat went the way of Ballymac Louie (Ballymac Bolger-Ballymac Scala) for Liam Dowling. The even money winner had to be brave at the opening bend but the December puppy, an even money favourite, had all the answers as he made a winning debut in 29.02. Ever Given three and a half lengths back in second place.