Ian Fortune
While his uncle Ballinabola Ed continues to shine at Towcester, Ballinabola Jake is making a name for himself around Enniscorthy.
The talented son of Glengar Bale and Ballinabola Evie impressed in the opening round of the Elite Black @ Stud Open Unraced last week before backing up that run in tremendous fashion in Monday’s second round.
The Pat Buckley trained star may have missed the start and taken a bump after a stride but he improved his position into the bend. Despite taking another hefty bump, he drove his way to the front before the second corner.
Entering the back straight with just under a length in hand, he raced clear of his rivals to eventually emerge a brilliant fourteen length winner in a fastest of the round 29.04. Bangon Columbia was his nearest rival throughout, while Leahs Legacy took third, just a half lengths adrift.
NEWS TAKES HEADLINES
Ashwood News made it two from two in the second heat, getting up in the final strides. Representing John and Pat Doyle, the son of Good News and Mustang Markle missed the start but had room to race from trap two with the inside runner Mini Skinny flashing to the bend.
Ashwood News charged into the bend to go second, which would ultimately prove too close. Staying on well, the powerfully built youngster got up under the shadow of the post to win by a half length in 29.33. Rathnew Duchess was seven and a half lengths away in third.
FAIRLY EASY FOR GIDDY
An inside draw did the trick for Fairly Giddy in Heat 3 with the Margaret Stafford’s daughter of Cushie Jet and Sweet Itch charging to the front into the bend before making every inch to see off Zippy Snap by two and a half lengths in 29.44. Apache Robin was best of the remainder in third, a further length back.
BONO BOUNCES OUT TO DOMINATE
Mikes Bono was sharpest in Heat 4, flashing from three to dictate throughout. Blackhill Jack was second from the outset but he could never gat back on terms. Mikes Bono went on to win for John Atkinson and Michael Furlong by five lengths in 29.30. Blackhill Jack was second with a further four length gap to Zaconey Adonis in third.