NOTHING SEPARATES AOIFE AND PEPPER IN BOSCO GLEESON MEMORIAL

Ian Fortune

Aoife Artist and Walkabout Pepper were inseparable on the clock in the semi-finals of the Bosco Gleeson Memorial at Newbridge on Friday night.

Both would win their respective heats in 29.08 to secure their place in next weekend’s valuable decider.

PEPPER ON TOP

Walkabout Pepper was always close enough to strike in the opening heat once chasing Sassy Suzy into the back straight.

Closing on the leader into the third turn, the daughter of Justice Minister and Cherish Me would strike as they turned for home.

Staying close to the fence, the Patrick and James Flynn owned bitch would take over from Sassy Suzy to win by a length in 29.08. Jet fighter ran on to take third, just two lengths further adrift.

AOIFE PAINTS A PRETTY PICTURE

Fifteen minutes later, it was the turn of Aoife Artist to emerge triumphant for Shaun Conway and owners Ian Harris and Richard Guiton.

The daughter of Ballymac Best and Shes Made It went up fastest and skipped into a clear lead by the second bend.

Quarry Boy would turn second and close into the third turn but there was no stopping the leader. Aoife Artist would run right to the line to win by three lengths in 29.08. Cashout Girl ran on well to finish a close third, just a neck behind Quarry Boy.

A SUPERB RUN FROM FUN

The final of the NTSC A1 525 went the way of Fun Inthe Run as he produced a massive run to win in 28.81.

Representing Daire and Michael Malone, the talented son of Malachi and Love Island moved second on the turn before closing on Ballygloss Bale into the third turn.

Rounding the leader between the last two bends, Fun Inthe Run ran on strongly to win by five lengths from Pennys Wildpoppy.

NELL FINISHES AT SPEED

Tony and Donal Coyle were on the mark in the final of the Book Your Christmas Party Now A4 525 with Mylerstown Nell coming from well off the pace to lead in the dying strides.

Only fifth into the third turn, Mylerstown Nell (Ballymac Anton/ Fays Carmel) finished with real purpose to eventually come through to win by two lengths rom long-time leader Come On Sophie in 29.41.