BRILLIANT BRO STARS IN MCCALMONT CUP

Ian Fortune

Droopys Bro will be very hard to beat in the Deadly Kennels McCalmont Cup if he continues to run as he did in Friday’s opening round.

The Murt Leahy trained star produced the standout performance, absolutely dominating in Heat 5 to record a rapid 28.92.

Owned by the Sweeney Todd Syndicate, the son of Malachi and Droopys Cake broke smartly to hold a narrow lead around the corner but it was his power from the second turn that really impressed. Pulling further and further clear, Droopy Bro would go on to hit the line some eight and a half lengths clear of Bogger Dusty. 

ROXANNE ALWAYS IN CHARGE

Next fastest was Michael O’Driscoll’s Imokilly Roxanne as she too made every inch to come home in front in Heat 3.

The Adam Dunford trained daughter of Coolavanny Hoffa and Cunnigar Spice shot from trap four, posting a rapid 4.23 sectional, before holding the always second Lotto Other News by a length in 29.11.

QUARRY ROCK SOLID

Quarry Boy has found his trapping boots lately and he made the most of an early advantage to win Heat 4 for Paula Heffernan.

The strong running son of King Sheeran and Mean Beauty was never under any real pressure as he went on to beat Unanimous Jax by two and a half lengths in 29.20.

WARRIOR DIGS DEEP

Kapuka Warrior justified favouritism in the opening heat, although he had to work harder than many expected.

Representing Matt Dunne and Karol Ramsbottom, the son of Good News and Cruel Intentions led into the turn but was forced off the fence by Lemon Mundy, who went to the front.

Kapuka Warrior was soon back in front, however. Showing good pace into the third turn, he took over before staying on to beat the staying on Lilac Tree by three and a half lengths in 29.34.

EMMA AND TED EMERGE ON TOP

John Mackey and Tom Lennon were on the mark in Heat 2 with Foyle Emma (Jacob Tashadelek/ Foyle Lucy) leading from the second turn to beat Abigails King by three lengths in 29.48.

The final heat saw Lemon Ted (Burgess Bucks/ Lemon Skylar) overcome traffic to score. Owned by the Nevergoinaswell Syndicate and trained by James Frisby, Lemon Ted would stay on to claim a half length verdict over Southwood Stan in 29.77.