CHARLIE TAKES HIS OPPORTUNITY IN MIDLANDS DERBY

Ian Fortune

The entire complexion of the Kilbride Kennels Midlands Derby decider changed before a greyhound even went to traps at Mullingar on Saturday evening with Phoenix Charlie coming in as a reserve into trap four in place of his kennel companion Noirs Best.

While Noirs Best was expected to be a player in the contest, there is no doubt that Phoenix Charlie would have been better suited by the make-up of the race and the layers seems to know it with the reserve going to traps the 4-6 favourite ahead of emerging a facile winner.

Of course, Phoenix Charlie set the standard in both the opening round and second round - going joint fastest in the latter - only to make his exit at the semi-final stage. But with the winner’s purse of €3,000 allowing for reserves, he was able to replace Noirs Best, perhaps to the disappointment of those connected with the remaining finalists.

And it was clear from early that Billy Reilly’s son of Ballymac Best and Lemon Ariana was going to seize his opportunity. Coming away racing, he raced side by side with Bunkers Pass before moving on at the opening turn.

Thereafter, it was evident that his rivals were in a battle for the minor placings. Phoenix Charlie was relentless, easing on before eventually going on to see off the fast-finishing Finfin by four lengths in a fastest of the competition 30.76. After racing prominently in the early exchanges, Bunkers Pass would eventually finish a length and a half further back in third.