AZURITE SHINES BRIGHT AT ENNISCORTHY

Ian Fortune

Azurite set a strong standard in the semi-finals of the September Unraced at Enniscorthy on Monday night, dipping under 29 seconds in the process.

The other heat winner Roanna Due also broke the 29 second barrier, setting up a fascinating final next Monday.

AZURITE TOO FAST

Azurite was installed a hot favourite following the withdrawal of Bounceback Elly and she duly obliged in fine style.

Trained by Peter Comerford for Sean Comerford, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Ballybrack Gem displayed big back straight pace to charge to the front into the third turn.

One Twincam went up fast and slipped around in front of Trinity Bestie but Azurite rode a bump on the corner to turn third. It was down the back straight that Azurite began to make her move. The December ’21 whelp quickly joined the leaders before easing on to run out a three and a half length scorer over Fiery Jack in 28.91. Trinity Bestie was a further seven lengths adrift in third.    

ROANNA TOO SHARP

Early speed was the key to success for Roanna Due in the opening semi.

Owned by Robbie O’Neill and Ardian Maher, the daughter of Broadstrand Bono and Bombay Savanna was not the first to hit the ground but she did show fine acceleration to lead into the bend.

Opening a race-winning advantage to halfway, she coasted home a length to the good over Elite Tom in 28.98. Yutaka was another three lengths adrift in third.