RUTH AND SPRINGS IMPRESS AT ENNISCORTHY

Ian Fortune

It came as no surprise to see Ballinabola Ruth and On Springs oblige in the semi-finals of the Cushie Kennels Unraced Stake at Enniscorthy on Monday night.

Ballinabola Ruth had been by some margin the fastest opening round scorer and she followed up for Brendan Murphy when coming through to beat Cushie Takeflyt.

Somehow turning second after driving her way out of the pack, the half-sister to classic winners Ballinabola Ed and Hopes Teddy would take up the running in the second half of the contest before easing on to win by two and a half lengths in 28.93. Cushie Takeflyt was second with a further seven and a half length gap to the third qualifier Jewel Hope.

SPRINGS BOUNCES CLEAR

On Springs was a more straightforward winner of Heat 2 for Georgie Roche.

He had to work hard in the opening round but made light work of his second-round assignment, showing fine early dash to lead before the turn.

The son of Ballyhimikin Jet and Droopys Newby would then ease right away to eventually win by an ever-extending eight length margin over Coolbawn Spring in 28.87. Sunfire Sally was another four and a half lengths adrift in third.