TREE TOP BEAR ROARS IN O’CONNOR JULIAN VETS TRI-DISTANCE

Peter Farrell

The O’Connor Julian Vets Cashel Tri-Distance got off to a fine start last weekend, however, the action really sprung to life at Limerick Greyhound Stadium last night as Tree Top Bear laid down a marker

Owned by David Lonergan, Tree Top Bear tips the scales at a huge 88lb and as such, he was relatively unexposed coming into this competition with just two starts under his belt. That said, he won his second race in a brisk 28.98 around Clonmel and although forced to settle for second in the opening round behind Magical Poppet, the September whelp emerged a wide-margin winner of his second round contest.

Sent to traps as a 4/1 chance, ‘Bear’ was only moderately into stride, however, his massive frame got straight to work as he powered past Fast Fit Patch on the run-up. In doing so, the son of Coolavanny Hoffa - Burkos Dream opened a two length lead down the back and he proved a class apart thereafter as he drew clear to win by six and a half lengths from Barefoot Roscoe in second. His time was a fast 29.77 for the 550-yard trip.

HEAT WATCH

Next best in terms of the clock was Glengar Gigi as she built on her winning debut at Limerick in the opening round. Much like last week, Cormac Doyle’s lady was paw-perfect at traprise as her white jacket led her rivals a merry dance into the opening corner. Rockstar Willie posed a real threat thereafter as he tracked the leader throughout, however, the daughter of Ballyhimikin Jet - Ballinabola Ruby proved very game in seeing out the trip well. Crossing the line one length better off than Rockstar Willie in second, the time for the 6/4 favourite was 29.83.

In heat three, Beaming Bronco (Doolin Duke - Beaming Scarlet) just got the better of Magical Poppet in what was a ding-dong contest. Da Wild Tiger showed first from trap three, however, ‘Poppet’ quickly asserted on the run-up from her inside berth in two. Thereafter, Pat Guilfoyle’s charge held a narrow lead over Beaming Bronco, however, the latter was showing an eye-catching turn of pace to loom alongside Magical Poppet. Nip and tuck around the final two bends, it was Corona Ryan’s 4/1 chance that just did enough to cross the line with a neck in hand over Magical Poppet in second. The time was 29.90.

The remaining heat saw Vigorous Jessie win for the first time since June of 2024. A long overdue success for Ronny Wuyt’s lady, ‘Jessie’ meant business from the off as the 9/2 chance pinged the lids to lead from four. In doing so, the daughter of Burgess Bucks - Vigorous Lindsay just nipped around clear of Tiermana Hunter and she relished every yard of the trip in drawing clear to win comfortably. Crossing the line with five and a half lengths in hand, the time was 30.00.

*****

TROMORA & LIA LAND UNRACED STAKES

On the supporting card, there were two unraced finals up for grabs and the first of those saw Tromora Cross (Ballymac Cashout - Tromora Merkle) justify his 4/5 billing for owner David Hogan.

After managing only fourth in debut, the January blue bounced back in fabulous style as he recovered for a tardy start in two to sit second early doors. The leader at this point was Cherrygrove One in four, however, he ran off the opening bend, in turn leaving the door wide open for Tromora Cross. Thereafter, Hogan’s charge didn’t need a second invitation as he galloped to a commanding lead down the back, before charging home to win by seven and a half lengths. The time was 29.10.

Coras Pearl was expected to land the spoils in the ON2 decider, however, Valleymount Lia proved too hot to handle on this occasion for owner Ted Curtin.

Just a May 24’ pup, Valleymount Lia won on debut in 2944 and she was to continue her unblemished record as powered past her rival at the halfway mark for connections. Drawn in six, the 5/2 chance was only moderately into stride and she also suffered a bump at the opener as Monbeg Jacob headed proceedings. Screaming for racing room down the back, the daughter of Ballymac Cashout - Ardfert Josie finally got loose passing the 750-box and she drew clear in the closing stages to win comfortably. Crossing the line eight and a half lengths clear of Coras Pearl, who didn’t receive the clearest of passages, the time was a good 28.81.