FINFIN AND BEST SHINE IN MIDLANDS DERBY

Ian Fortune

Finfin and Noirs Best claimed their place in the final of the Kilbride Kennels Midlands Derby on the back of a victory in Saturday’s semi-finals at Mullingar.

Both would race prominently before striking the front in the latter stages of their respective assignments.

FLYING FINFIN

Phoenix Charlie was a hot favourite in the opening heat but a tardy start and traffic problems ended his hopes.

In contrast, Killeshil Ranger got loose into the turn from trap five but he was always under severe pressure when David and Finley Hanlon’s Finfin slipped around in second.

Killeshil Ranger continued to dictate around the third bend but he stayed wide turning for home, allowing Finfin to make his move. The son of Dorotas Wildcat and Muffin was moving with fluency and he took charge to earn a length victory over the early leader in 31.10. Ballycowen Leon would finish third, a dozen lengths further adrift.

BEST DIGS DEEP

Noirs Best would hold off Bunkers Pass to win the second semi-final.

Noirs Best actually went up fastest to lead the field into the bend and down the back straight. It was at the third turn that things started to get interesting.

Bunkers Pass began to close at this point and made her move as they turned for home. Joining Noirs Best briefly, when the latter steered a middle path, it was a short-lived challenge.

Ian Reilly’s Noirs Best rallied on the run in to go back to the front before claiming a deserving neck verdict over Bunkers Pass in 31.34. Killeshil Messi was not far away in third, just a length adrift.

Kilbride Kennels Midlands Derby

Draw for Saturday’s final:

1 FINFIN

2 BALLYCOWEN LEON

3 BUNKERS PASS

4 NOIRS BEST (M)

5 KILLESHIL MESSI (M)

6 KILLESHIL RANGER (M)