ORLANDO BLOOMS IN GALWAY A3 SECOND ROUND

Peter Farrell

The second round heats of the Galway A3/A4 525 featured on last night’s card at the Connacht venue and despite being turned over at short odds last weekend, Crafty Orlando bounced back emphatically to go quickest.

Owned by Shane Divilly, Crafty Orlando was penciled in to run in the last of the three heats of display and although expected to come out on top, he was to face some stiff opposition, none more so than the unbeaten Ballygraigue Ten, who was chasing a sixth straight victory. At traprise, Lissycasey Mini showed first but Crafty Orlando immediately showed that customary early dash to pull clear and take control entering the back. Patrons thought they got the buckle they wanted at this point as Ballygraigue Ten loomed large in second but the challenge didn’t materialize as Crafty Orlando showed an impressive turn of foot to go two lengths clear of his unbeaten rival approaching the penultimate turn. A stamina test was on the cards for Divilly’s charge at this point but he answered any questions emphatically as he stayed on powerfully to cross the line three and a half lengths clear of Ballygraigue Ten in second. A brilliant display from the son of Skywalker Canny and Dower Bud, the time was a rapid 28.84 .10s.

LIZ NEXT BEST

In the opening heat of the night, Glynscross Liz crossed over in front to seal a double of the night for owner Thomas Keane.

The 4/5 favourite at the off, Glynscross Liz came into the event unbeaten but suffered her first career defeat last weekend when following Role Model home in second. However, she got back to winning ways in comfortable style as she proved a class above the field despite shipping an early bump. Running from trap one, Glynscross Liz came away well and although briefly headed by Bay City Oscar, she barged her way through at the opener to race into a four length lead down the back. From here, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Glynnscrosstyler upped the ante as she shifted through the gears to cross the line six and a half lengths clear of Bay City Oscar in second. A brilliant display from this lady, the time was 28.97 .10s.

THEO MAKES ALL

There was to be upset in the remaining heat of the night as 4/7 shot, Role Model, was overturned at the expense of 6/1 shot, Malbay Theo.

Owned by the West-Wicklow-Kildare-Alliance and trained by Margaret Bolton, Malbay Theo (Kinloch Brae - Malbay Ally) came away like a rocket from trap three and after heavy traffic in behind at the opener, he shot clear into the back straight with a healthy advantage. Further traffic ensued in behind approaching the penultimate turn and Malbay Theo was going about his business in good fashion as he stayed on well to cross the line with one and a half lengths to spare over Promises To Keep in second. The time was 29.61 .10s.