CAPTAIN LEADS HOME RIVALS IN VALUABLE SHELBOURNE STAKE

Ian Fortune

Friday’s card at Shelbourne Park was packed with fine displays but the headlines went to Ollie Bray’s Gallant Captain as he set the standard in the semi-finals of the October Headquarters A3 525, posting a rapid 28.39.

The son of Ballymac Cashout and Slippery Diva had also gone fastest in the opening round so it was no surprise to see him start the even money favourite from a kind draw in three. Disputing the early lead with Beautiful Paul, he forced his way past that rival at the corner.

Once going to the front, it was all one-way traffic. Gallant Captain would go on to win by two and a half lengths from his sister and kennel companion Gallant Princess.

LAD LASHES RIVALS

Ballykilduff Lad wasn’t far behind Gallant Captain on the clock.

After an encouraging opening round effort, he was the second choice in the market behind Knockeen Aliya but neither would set the pace. Instead, Aero Baltic and Roanna Yeti turned first and second but they were put under pressure by the big two in the betting from halfway.

Knockeen Aliya made her move up the inside of the track and briefly struck the front into the third turn but Ballykilduff Lad was too strong. Joe Byrne’s son of Ballyhimikin Jet and Galadriel charged into the third turn, going between rivals to assert before the home turn.

Joe Byrne’s charge then powered clear to emerge a three-length winner in a fast 28.42. Aero Baltic was second with Dalakhani a half-length further back in third.