JOHNSON AND PUCA ARE ROYAL WINNERS AT DUNDALK

Ian Fortune

The valuable Up The Royals A2/A3 525 continued at Dundalk on Friday night with the semi-finals and Beretta Johnson and Da Puca did what was needed to emerge on top.

The former set the standard with an impressive 28.63 return, holding off Royal Hotshot in the process.

BERETTA FIRES

Beretta Johnson was sharpest into the opening bend, showing fine early dash to lead around the corner but he was pressed and headed around the last two bends by Royal Hotshot.

Graham Kelly’s Beretta Johnson was in determined mood, however, and rallied as they turned for home.

Proving too strong for Royal Hotshot, the son of Pestana and Boulevard Mist would come through to win by three parts of a length. There was a further three and a half lengthgap to Unanimous Xena in third.

PUCA FLOATS HOME

The second heat was a messy affair but, ultimately, Da Puca would hit the front early before repelling her rivals.

Pat McConville’s daughter of Ballymac Cashout and Plain White Tea looked vulnerable into the third turn with her rivals closing fast but there was a scrimmage, allowing the long-time pace-setter to increase her advantage.

She didn’t need a second invitation and would kick on to win by four and three quarter lengths in 29.00. Beretta Brandi would take second with another three lengths to the dead-heating pair of Sling Your Hook and Daraghs Surprise. Sling Your Hook would progress to the final after the toss of a coin.