EARLY SPEED KEY AS KAMARIA SETS STANDARD IN COLLAR

Ian Fortune

Razldazl Kamaria and Frenchfort Madam went within a single spot of each other as they came home in front in their respective semi-finals of the Gold Collar at Shelbourne Park on Friday evening.

Both were too sharp for their rivals in the early exchanges, again proving that early pace is a potent weapon over the 550yd trip.

KAMARIA HOLDS PRO

Razldazl Kamaria had tied up in tough conditions in the opening round but he clearly came on for the run and emerged a determined winner of the opening semi for Dolores Ruth.

The son of Ballymac Best and Boylesportstwink flew into the bend to set a strong gallop from the start.

Bogger Pro forced his way into second on the corner and started to bridge the gap but the drama was only starting. Razldazl Kamaria needed the line but Bogger Pro was distracted, bumping the leader in the closing yards. The judge was called into action but Razldazl Kamaria held on to win by a head in 30.25 (rated .20 slow). The stewards slapped the wrist of Bogger Pro after the contest. Pennys Wildpoppy was two lengths away in third.

MADAM ON A MARCH

Things were a little easier for Frenchfort Madam in Heat 2 with the Vincent McKenna trained bitch making virtually every inch for a comfortable four length success.

Owned by the South Bronx Syndicate, the daughter of Ballymac Bolger and Twentylittletoes powered her way to the front into the bend to lea by a couple of lengths but she was under pressure with both Baby Don’t Dally and Cashout Girl in her slipstream entering the back straight.

Then came the decisive moment in the contest with the chasing pair clashing. Suddenly, Frenchfort Madam found herself in an unassailable lead. Julies Gem came through for second but there was no stopping the leader. Frenchfort Madam stopped the clock in 30.26 (rated .20 slow). Dalakhani ran on well to take third, some four lengths further back.