Barry Drake
Coolavanny Otto returned to top form with a spectacular winning performance in the final of the €15,000 to the winner Callaway Pro Am @ Stud Race of Champions Final at the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium on Friday night.
Trained by Pat Buckley for Nathan and James Corden, the 11-2 shot produced one of his better starts and once he turned second behind High Trend, you always felt he would take plenty of stopping. Such a powerful running tracker, the brilliant Coolavanny Otto flew down the back straight, in front before the third corner, he galloped strongly to the line, clocking a fantastic 29.38. Track Record holder Dashing Toro ran another big race in second, also running on very well, just a length and a half back, with four and a half lengths back to High Trend in third place.
Hogan Stand delivered a mighty impressive performance to win the Johnny Carroll Memorial A2 final. Trained by James O'Regan for Joe McCarthy and Frank Neylon, the July youngster, an even-money favourite, made the most of the inside draw to slip around in front. Once leading, he quickly moved clear and it was all one-way traffic upfront. A superb 28.28 winning performance.
Oaks semi-finalist Kerogue Lady made the most of the drop into A1 company with a comfortable winning effort. Trained by Patrick O'Connor for Ashleigh McManus and Elaine McManus, the June youngster was in front early and the even-money favourite was always looking good up front. A classy display, clocking 28.34 and coming home five lengths clear of Millridge Jayden.