VIS A VIS PRODUCES BRILLIANT DEBUT IN KASKO UNRACED AT THURLES

Peter Farrell

Always a hugely competitive competition, the first round heats of the Kasko Dog Foods Unraced 525 got underway at Thurles Park on Saturday night and it looks a very hot renewal indeed with Vis A Vis going quickest.

Under the guidance of Dave Bourke, Vis A Vis is owned by Javier Jarne, who is no stranger to owning top greyhounds, and he looked very smart as he dismantled heat three in expert fashion. Running from trap three, Vis A Vis is just an April 22’ whelp but his performance was fitting of a veteran as he popped out in front to lead early. Once doing so, it was all one-way traffic for the son of Ballymac Kingdom and Ballymac Scala as he drew clear of his rivals down the back before romping to a nine length victory over Two Slips Jig in second. The time was an exceptional 28.94 .20s as Ferryfrth Wild sealed the third qualifying position. Not many greyhounds break the 29-second barrier around Thurles on their first start so watch this space; Vis A Vis looks a little bit something.

HEAT WATCH

In the second semi, De Foxy Devil got his career off to a winning start for owner Tommy Fletcher. A son of Broadstrand Bono and Kilgowan Honey, the March 22’ puppy broke well from trap four and showed fine early dash to lead around the opening turn. Showing a lovely turn of foot down the back, De Foxy Devil stayed on stoutly to see off Borna Captain by four lengths, in a time of 29.13 .20s. Skydeck was a further three lengths back in third.

Next best was the Liam Peacock-owned Bogger Cooper in the final heat of the night. Another April 22’ whelp, this greyhound came into the Unraced with an unblemished card and he maintained that perfect record as he trapped smartly from three to clock a respectable 1.73 sectional up. From here, the son of Pestana and Bogger Bonnie set an excellent gallop to cross the line with daylight, six and a half lengths clear of Coolcroo  Saphire in second. The time was 29.23 .20s as Barrymore Jet claimed third.

In the opening heat of the night, Ashville Panther came from off-the-pace to win for owner Owen Conway. An October 21’ son of Ballymac Best and Posh Panther, the strapping fawn was forced to play second fiddle behind the fast-starting Cabra Keiser in one. However, stalking the leader throughout, he upped the ante in the closing stages and despite steering a wide course, he ‘Panther’ finished strongly to win by one length. The time was 29.63 as Neon Voyager claimed third.