EXPLOSIVE BOY BACK TO WINNING FORM IN OPENING ROUND OF THE WATERFORD SELECT STAKES

Barry Drake

It went very much as expected below in Kilcohan Park on Saturday night as the opening round of the 2022 Waterford Select Stakes got off to a flying start.

After running well on his return to racing action last weekend below in Tralee, Explosive Boy made no mistake this time around when delivering a stunning performance in the third and final heat.Trained by Patrick Guilfoyle for owner Peter Sutcliffe, the 1-3 favourite bounced out in front and the classy tracker went on to make every yard of the running. A magnificent 28.34 winning run, with three and a half lengths back to Lisnakill Vernon in second. Four lengths back to Bombay Joe in third.

DEFENDING CHAMPION BARRY ON TARGET

Defending champion Skywalker Barry took the opening heat for trainer Michael O'Donovan and owner Ray Patterson.

Breaking well and moving inwards on the run-up, the 2-5 favourite had enough early dash to make the corner in front. No stranger to big-race success, Skywalker Barry put on another masterclass performance, and he came home two and a half lengths clear of the staying on Minor Droopy, in 28.54. Three lengths back to Minor Trump in third place.

DOUBLE DELIGHT FOR O'DONOVAN

O'Donovan doubled up in the following heat as Serence Ace got the better of Coom Leo for owner Edmond Ryan.

Nip and tuck throughout, the 1-2 favourite was just getting the better of the argument at the third corner, however, Coom Leo never gave up and it was a great battle up the home straight. At the line, half a length separated the front two, in 28.76. A length back to Sparta Max in third place.