BLUE THE PLACE TO BE IN MIDLANDS DERBY

Ian Fortune

Trap two was the place to be in the semis of the Kilbride Kennels Midlands Derby with both Shady Bueno and Vinegar Joe wearing blue to come home in front.

The second heat was billed as a clash between Beepers Grace and Vinnegar Joe although both were headed into the turn by the fast-starting Knockmant Lovato. His time at the front was restricted, however, as Seamus Reilly’s Vinegar Joe displayed fine early sped to join and head his rival on the bend.  

In contrast, Beepers Grace was a bit flat footed into the turn and could never really land a telling blow. Vinegar Joe (Droopys Sydney/ Kilgowan Pippa) raced clear of his rivals down the far side and ran right to the line to score by five and a half lengths in 30.70. Beepers Grace eventually got the better of the remainder to finish second with Home Oisin another half length away in third.

MUCHO BUENO FROM SHADY

Shady Bueno won the opening heat in similar style.

Prominent in the early yards, the Tony Byrne trained son of Ballymac Bolger and Shady Girlo held an inside line into the turn to emerge upsides Hellofaracket.

The pair raced side by side to halfway where Shady Bueno began to get on top. Hellofaracket attempted to come back at the leader on the final turn but Shady Bueno eased on to score by a length in 30.80. Hellofaracket was second with Downstream Chief two and a half lengths adrift in third.