A GREAT NIGHT FOR IRELAND IN PERRY BARR

Ian Fortune

No fewer than four of the six Irish in action at Perry Barr on Saturday came home in their respective heats in the St Leger and Birmingham Cup.

It’s no surprise to see the raiding party perform so well in the opening round of the St Leger as there is a wonderful crop of stayers around at present, while it was also no surprise to see the Derby runner-up Bockos Crystal justify odds on favouritism in the Birmingham Cup.

CRYSTAL SPARKLES

Bockos Crystal was always prominent in Heat 3 before asserting around the last two bends to score in 28.26.

She hit the line with three and a quarter lengths in hand on Bandit Billy. She seems certain to improve on the run and is a huge player in the Birmingham Cup.

Her kennel companion Unreal Bruiser had less luck later on the card, crashing out of the stake in Heat 4. He missed the start and found traffic before finishing fifth to 28.03 winner Rioja Joey.

RUN RUNS WELL

Liam Dowling’s Ballymac Run ran a fine race in defeat in the final heat.

Despite finding bad traffic on the turn, she ran on well to be beaten just a short head for second spot. Brookside Richie led early to win in 28.18 with Forest Icon just holding Ballymac Run.

KATIE SETS THE TONE

Ballymac Katie, Jacktavern Bella and Garfiney Blaze were all mighty impressive in the opening round of the St Leger.

Ballymac Katie got the ball rolling, producing yet another stunning display of power and pace to come from off the back to lad in the dying yards.

Despite looking a little lost in her surroundings, the brilliant daughter of Ballymac Anton waited for the gaps to open before pouncing late for a length and a quarter victory in 43.46.

BELLA BOUNCES OUT

Jacktavern Bella repelld the persistent challenge of defending champion Havana Lover to win the very next hat or Graham Holland and the Pillar Syndicate.

She shot up the fence to challenge early and once going to the front, always seem to have the measure of those in behind. Easing clear from the fifth bend, the daughter of Droopys Sydney went on to win by an ever-widening six and a half lengths in 43.22.

BLAZE ON FIRE

Garfiney Blaze completed a double for Graham Holland in the St Leger heats when leading from the bend to post a quick 42.98 in Heat 4.

Space Jet, the hot favourite could never land a blow after early traffic and Garfiney Blaze put a serious pace to the race. The brother to Ballymac Katie came home almost five lengths clear of Teds Dexter.