BRILLIANT TOOLMAKER GOES WILDE IN NEWBRIDGE DERBY

Ian Fortune

The Friends of Newbridge A1 Derby came to a conclusion at Newbridge on Friday night and after some exceptional racing through the prelims, an exceptional champion emerged in the €3,500 to the winner competition.

Toolmaker Wilde has always shown plenty of ability but he brought his level of performance to the next level to come home clear in a stunning near-record 29.52.

The run to the torn was always going to be vital and Grangeview Best assumed the pace-setting duties but she was always under serious pressure when Toolmaker Wilde turned a close second. Catapulting into the back straight, Toolmaker Wilde soon asserted before quickly putting the result beyond any doubt.

Jirano Supreme moved second and attempted to stay with the leader but Toolmaker Wilde is very strong and never looked under threat. Maintaining a powerful gallop to the finish, Willie Hyslop’s son of Droopys Jet and Kilara Lizzie eased away to emerge a facile four and a half length scorer in 29.52. Jirano Supreme lost nothing in defeat in second, while third spot went to Gizmo Smasher a further four lengths adrift.

The next question is where does Toolmaker Wilde go next. After posting a sensational 29.52, the third fastest time of all time for the 550yds at Newbridge and just .02 off the record of Redwood Mick, he is now going to be taking on the best in training. It’s clear he is still progressing and is clearly a greyhound to keep an eye on in the coming weeks and months.