GEM SHINES AGAIN AT KILKENNY
Ian Fortune
Julies Gem again took the headlines in the semi-finals of the JAG Building Services & KGOBA A1 Derby at Kilkenny on Friday night.
Despite a tough draw in the stripes, the daughter of King Sheeran and Droopys Meteor was flawless for Murt Leahy and the Gem Spring Syndicate.
While others broke slightly faster on her inside, Julies Gem charged into the opening turn to take control on the outside of the field. Once slipping around in front, Julies Gem was never going to be denied. Orchid Legacy turned second with Ballybough Olwyn in third but the order never changed thereafter.
Julies Gem ran right to the line to emerge a comfortable five length winner in a slick 28.77. Orchid Legacy was second with Ballybough Olwyn another two lengths back in third.
MAGIC FROM GLITZY
The second heat was won in very similar fashion by Sinead Murphy’s Glitzy Magic. He too was racing in the stripes but got the better of his rivals into the turn.
There was traffic in behind at the turn, leaving Creative Ozzy in second with Prince Naseem third.
Glitzy Magic raced on to a comfortable four length victory over Creative Ozzy in 29.04, while Prince Naseem qualified in third, some two lengths further back.
JAG Building Services & KGOBA A1 Derby
Final draw
1 ORCHID LEGACY
2 PRINCE NASEEM
3 BALLYBOUGH OLWYN
4 JULIES GEM
5 CREATIVE OZZY
6 GLITZY MAGIC (M)
*******
JAN FASTEST IN MEANEY MEMORIAL
The Peter Meaney Memorial also got underway at Kilkenny and little separated the two fastest heat winners Blackstone Jan and Rock Eagle.
The former was well of the pace after early traffic in Heat 5 but she flew from the second turn to lead in the closing yards to win by a head in 29.44.
Rock Eagle made all to claim a two length success in 29.45 in Heat 3. The remaining heats went to Ashmore Susie (29.74), Bit View Bobby (29.65) and Bogger Skimpy (29.55). The full second round draw can be found at: https://www.grireland.ie/racing/upcoming-race-cards/upcoming-race-card-summary/?track=KKY&id=109775&date=13-Sep-2024