MAGIC MARTHA SETS THE PACE AT ENNISCORTHY
Ian Fortune
A week on from recording 28.79 in an impressive opening round success, Glengar Martha followed up in the second round of the Future Champions & Michael Fortune Memorial Open Unraced at Enniscorthy on Monday evening, recording a rapid 28.72 on her way to success in Heat 3.
Representing Pat Buckley and William Wood, the well bred daughter of Droopys Sydney and Glengarbadminton was always in control after making a flying start from trap two. Maintaining a strong gallop throughout, she emerged a three-length winner over her eye-catching kennel companion Bazz Manto.
TOFFEE UPSETS CHICO
1-4 favourite Optic Chico suffered defeat in Heat 5 where Toffee Man posted a rapid 28.85 for Aiden Comerford and Peter Cronin.
Neither Toffee Man or Optic Chico were fastest into stride, while the latter stumbled slightly as he hit the ground.
Instead, Kiltrea Bob went up fastest but moved off the fence allowing Toffee Man challenge on his inner. Going to the front early in the back straight, the son of Droopys Jet and Palermo quickly put the result beyond doubt.
Optic Chico recovered from early bother to move second but could never get back on terms. Toffee Man raced to an impressive three and a half length verdict in 28.85.
RAZOR-SHARP JACKO
The evening’s proceedings started with a bang as John Dunne’s Chanceme Jacko reversed opening round form with hot favourite Burgess Supreme.
Making a flying start and showing tremendous early dash, the son of Droopys Sydney and Barn Swallow made every inch to score by three and a half lengths from Burgess Supreme in 28.96.
CARLO FINISHES WITH A FLOURISH
The Dave Bourke trained Hako Carlo displayed a potent finishing kick to win for the second week running in Heat 4.
Despite early crowding, Javier Jarne’s son of Ballymac Anton and Ballymac Merkle was within striking distance into the third turn and cut through the pack before flying home for an ever-increasing six length victory over Roanna Fiona in 29.07.
BIG BRIAN JUSTIFIES MARKET SUPPORT
Anton Butler’s Telex Big Brian justified odds-on favouritism in Heat 7.
Riding a couple of bumps on the turn to lead into the back straight. Easing clear, the son of Pestana and Telex Brat saw off Kiltrea Lily by three and a half lengths in 29.17.
CLONE SHOWS GREAT TRACK CRAFT
There was plenty happening in Heat 6 where Seamus Hagan’s Droopys Clone stayed tight to the fence to recover from a slow start.
With those in front of her crowding on the corner, the Alan Byrne trained daughter of Malachi and Droopys Saga moved to the front at the second turn. She had to dig deep at the finish as Haka Luigi came with a late surge but she held on to score by a head in 29.27.
BILLYBOY COMES OUT ON TOP
There was quite the battle into the turn in the final heat with Tip Top Cody emerging in front.
He failed to contain Ken Busteed’s Vivaro Billyboy into the third turn, however. Once going to the front, the favourite eased on to emerge a five and a half length scorer over Gymstar Geronimo in 29.36.
BULL ON A CHARGE
Haribo Bull made all after a slick exit to win the second heat for the Back In the Game Syndicate.
The son of Droopys Sydney and Skirk Grace crossed the line four lengths clear of Mulrankin Gem in 29.43.