FOUR FROM FOUR FOR EXCITING TULLIG CYRNAME IN THE KINGDOM
Barry Drake
TULLIG CYRNAME (Droopys Sydney-Hail Cleopatra) delivered another stunning performance in the Kingdom on Friday night as the Pat Buckley trained runner posted a superb 29.53 in the second round of the Lee Strand 550.
Sent off a 1-2 favourite for heat number five, the September puppy was soon in front after getting off to a great start. Ballyroyal Gatti put up a great battle early on, but the exciting young talent kicked for home midway down the back straight. Showing massive all round pace, the winner pulled four lengths clear of Ballyroyal Gatti, in 29.53, winning for owners Morty and Patrick Ahern. Nahford two lengths behind the runner-up in third place.
LUCAN IN TOP FORM
In heat six, Saleen Lucas (Droopys Cain-Clounbrane Kerry) ran out a most impressive winner for trainer Patrick O'Connor and owner Christina O'Connor.
Following up on last week's winning performance, the even-money had enough early pace to lead and from halfway, he pulled further and further clear. A six length success, in 29.80. Hot Teddy half a length back in third.
JUST LIKE LAST WEEK
Just like last week, Ballymac Finn (Droopys Sydney-Ballymac Petsy) was to impress.
The November puppy was sent to traps as the 2-5 market leader and after railing well around the opening turns, he soon took up the running. Always in control from there, he came home two lengths clear of the fast finishing Ballyhale Pat, who caught the eye in second. A 29.92 winning performance, Montore Brian back in third, half a length behind the runner-up.
IN OTHER HEATS
Near last heading into the opening turn, Kilmoyley Lass (Sonic-Garrison Berlin) came out on top in the opening heat. Trained by Padraig Regan for owners Brendan Mcelligott and Padraig Regan, the 3-1 shot enjoyed the run of the race around the opening turn, getting a dream run along the inside. A narrow lead turning for home, the winner flew up the home straight to beat Trowmedownsumtin, by three lengths, in 30.13. Half a length back to Corgrigg Tobben in third.
Heat four went the way of Marriedinamonth (Dorotas Wildcat-Magical Elsie) in 30.22. Owned by Hazel Jane Dowling, the 2-1 joint favourite had about five lengths to make up on Ballymac Harvey at the second last corner but the November puppy powered up the home straight to get the verdict by the shortest of margins. Three lengths back to Keel Lass in third place.
In the second heat, all the dogs stopped at the escape, void race declared due to none of the greyhounds pursuing the hare.
PAUL O'SULLIVAN CRASH REPAIRS SEMI FINALS
Silent Guest set the standard in the semi finals of the Paul O'Sullivan Crash Repairs Stakes (A1). Trained by Maurice O'Connor for owners Thomas and Mary Nolan, the 4-5 favourite was on top form as he scored, in 28.50, two lengths clear of Killeacle Phelps, with a short head back to Outback Annie in third.
MUCH CLOSER AFFAIR
The second semi final was a much closer affair as Black Eyed Alice just got the verdict, in 28.79.
Owned by Mary B.Curtin and Ruth Curtin, the 3-1 shot pulled out all the stops to deny Millridge Byrce, by a short head. Three lengths back to Maries Shadow in third.