ELLO ELLO SETS MERRIMAN STANDARD

Ian Fortune

A return to 525yds certainly wasn’t a problem for Ello Ello on Friday night as he posted the fastest opening round time in the valuable Paddy Merriman Memorial A1 525.

There were a number of fine displays in the competition but Ello Ello, with a 28.53 return, was quickest in Heat 3. Representing Brendan Matthews and the Three B’s syndicate, the son of Airmount Nando and Million Dreams forced his way to the front on the corner and proceeded to win by three and a half lengths. Ballymac Altobel was second.

MAGGOT CONTINUES GOOD STREAK

Caoimhe Ivory’s in-form tracker Actindamaggot was next fastest.

The Ian Reilly trained son of Ballymac Cashout and Slippery Diva took over on the turn for home in Heat 4 before easing on to beat Innfield Trinity by five lengths in 28.65. 

SAPPHIRE SHINES

Owen McKenna and Peter Comerford were on the mark in the final heat as Sapphire Sydney obliged in 28.66.

Never far away, the son of Droopys Sydney and Susie Sapphire overcame a little congestion at the third turn to lead late for a length verdict over Progression.

PADDY TOO STRONG

Seamus Reilly’s Breffni Paddy (Ballymac Bolger/ Drumalee Premier) would take the opening heat.

Coming home well to take the verdict by a length from Magical Max in 28.68. 

KLASSY DISPLAY FROM SHOE

Kurtis Bain and the Liquorice Allsorts Syndicate witnessed their Klassy Shoe adding to his already impressive tally in Heat 5.

The son of Grangeview Ten struck the front at the turn before going on to beat Ugo by two lengths in 28.82.

TROIKA OFF THE MARK

The Neilus O’Connell trained Riptide Troika finally opened his account in Heat 5, finishing fast to run out a ready winner.

Owned by Brian and Kevin O’Sullivan, the strong running son of Malachi took charge at the third turn before easing on to win by three and a half lengths from Rockmount Bob in 28.91.

MOSS LANDS VALUABLE PRIZE

Elsewhere on the card Amigo Star and Beechwood Moss landed valuable finals.

The latter came home in front in the final of the Racing Three Nights A Week @ Shelbourne A1 525, racing prominently from the outset before getting the better of Stefans Goal at the third turn.

While Stefans Goal attempted to come back at the leader, the GDG Syndicate owned Beechwood Moss emerged a half length in front to land the €3,000 prize in 28.77.

STAR SHINES BRIGHT

Amigo Star was simply too sharp for his rivals in the opening race on the card, the final of the www.griireland.ie A4 525.

Maria Kennedy’s daughter of Good Cody and Deelish Oreo dominated, making every inch to win by five lengths from Wishful Peggy in 28.63.