PAVILION ON FIRE IN FAIR WARRIOR

Ian Fortune

With each passing heat, the action in the second round of the Droopys Stud Fair Warrior Open 400 got better and better.

In fact, the times got better with each contest, culminating in a brilliant fastest of the round 21.08 return from the defending champion Pavilion Fire in the last of the four heats.

The undoubted star of the opening round was Glendale Zozo as he smashed the track record but he was an absentee from his second-round assignment. It’s worth pointing out he has been given a Derby entry so perhaps connections felt that run could be the first of many big displays and decided to take their chance in the Shelbourne showpiece.

DEFENDING CHAMP IMPRESSES

Pavilion Fire won’t be too concerned by Glendale Zozo’s absence.

Sent to traps the 11-10 favourite in the final heat, Richard Irwin’s son of Good News and Bubbly Bluebird was nothing short of sensational. Flashing rom trap four, he was son in complete control.

The Aidan McVeigh trained black cleared Scarborough Fair by a length and a half on the corner before easing clear. Powering down the back straight, Pavilion Fire would eventually go on to see off Scarbrough Fair by seven lengths in a sizzling 21.08. Killeshil Magic was best of the rest in third, some two lengths further adrift.

BORN RACES CLEAR

Born Racer has often shown ability but her run in the third heat suggests the decision to step her back in trip was right on the money.

Trained by Jennifer O’Donnell for her husband John Mitchell, the son of Ballymac Anton and Whitings Gift was paw-perfect.

Making a flying start from the inside box, Born Racer was soon in control. Two lengths clear on the bend, Born Racer was relentless thereafter. Powering clear on the long run to the line, she would go on to beat Manalishi Jet by five lengths in a very quick 21.13. Zippy Canning, the 6-4 favourite, would finish another two lengths back in third.

EXILE WINS IN STYLE

Ante-post favourite Road Exile also won in pretty straightforward fashion, coming home clear in Heat 3 for Pat Buckley and Richard Colwell.

The 4-7 favourite broke fastest and never saw another rival as he came home three and a half lengths to the good in 21.24. Jetara displayed plenty of pace in second, while Killeshil Ranger was the third qualifier, a length and a half further back.

LEAH IS BEST

Leahs Best came home alone in the opening heat.

John Atkinson’s son of Ballymac Best and Tegans Turn broke on terms and quickened into the lead before the corner. Casemiro was his nearest rival into the corner, while Satelite Monroe displayed plenty of early speed to challenge for second.

Leahs Best was on his way home, however. He would go on to win by three and a half lengths in 21.34 with Casemiro finishing second and Satelite Monroe another length and a half back in third.