RAZ AND INCLUSION IMPRESS AT SHELBOURNE

Ian Fortune

There was plenty of variety at Shelbourne Park on Thursday evening.

The undoubted highlight of the action were the displays of Ardnasool Raz and Merits Inclusion in the semi-finals of the Barking Buzz App 525, while there was a hugely popular success in the final of the RCETS A4 525 as the first lady of Shelbourne Park, May Kearns, won with Beechview Pippa.

MAY’S PIPPA A POPULAR WINNER

Beechview Pippa was a 6-1 chance for the €1,750 decider but the daughter of Droopys Jet and Swallow was at her sharpest, shooting up the fence to set the pace.

The warm favourite Jays Swallow overcame traffic to go second into the third turn but could never get back on terms with Beechview Pippa. The long-time pace-setter went on to score by three parts of a length in 28.95.   

INCLUSION IMPRESSES AGAIN

Ardnasool Raz posted a superb 28.57 in the semi finals of the Barking Buzz App ON2/ ON3 525 to set the standard but Merits Inclusion was no less impressive in the opening heat.

Merits Inclusion was a hot favourite after a wonderful debut seven days earlier but his followers would have had reason to worry after a tardy start, quickly followed by a bump. However, Brendan Matthews’ son of Dromana Bucko and Million Dreams quickly recovered, showing tremendous early speed to challenge on the bend.

Sipping up the inside of both Gallant Queen and Fleadh Reagan into the turn, he challenged into the back straight before powering into the third turn to take charge. Much had gone wrong but he emerged a tremendous two length winner over Fleadh Reagan in 28.81.

RAZ RAZOR SHARP

It was far more straight forward for Ardnasool Raz.

As he did on debut, the speedy son of Grangeview Ten and Farloe Maverick flew to the corner, clocking a rapid 2.05 sectional to dominate from the outset.

Breaking Stones gave chase from the outset but could never get back on terms as Ardnasool Raz was moving with real purpose out front. Owned by Cathal McGhee and Kian McGettigan, Ardnasool Raz emerged a ready two length winner over Breaking Stones in a rapid 28.57.