GEM SPARKLES IN FAIR WARRIOR

Ian Fortune

Conor McGrath’s Gem Friendly was hugely impressive at Mullingar on Saturday night as she set the standard in the quarter finals of the Pat Doran Memorial Fair Warrior Open 400.

Defender, Valderrama and Stefans Galaxy also impressed but Gem Friendly was the clear standout as she won the hottest of the four heats in wonderful style.

Breaking on terms in the stripes, the Vincent McKenna trained daughter of Droopys Sydney and Susie Sapphire flew to the turn to get first run. Driving the bend, she opened up a race-winning advantage over Gallant Hunter and proceeded to hit the line four lengths to the good in a rapid 21.24. Gallant Hunter was second with Ohtherejack progressing another two lengths away in third.

DEFENDER WINS A THRILLER

Defender was next fastest in the opening heat when emerging on top for Francie and Kathleen Murray, although this on went right to the wire.

Portrush Ben went up fastest but checked on the opening turn. In doing so, things got a bit tighter up front. Defender was third into the bend and was still well off the pace into the back straight.

In a remarkable finish, the daughter of Dromana Bucko and Date Due flew up the fence to challenge in the closing yards. Getting up late, Defender took the verdict by a length in 21.48. Portrush Ben was second with Stefans Frost a neck away in third.

VICTORY FOR VALDERRAMA

Valderrama was sent off the 6-4 favourite in Heat 2 and he justified his position at the head of the market with a typically professional display.

Always to the fore after a slick exit, he contained the challenge oft Bogger Bale into the turn before moving on. Trained by Martin Lanney for the David, Gerry, Stephen Syndicate, the son of Good News and Martinstown Diva hit the line a length and a half to the good in 21.50. Bogger Bale was second with Park Run another length adrift in third.

GALAXY OVERCOMS TRAFFIC TO IMPRESS

Stefans Galaxy may have been the slowest of the heat winners but Shea Campbell’s star again overcame early traffic to again highlight his quality.

Drawn in the stripes of six, he edged inwards all the way to the corner, taking a number of bumps in the process.

Despite this, the son of Good News and Deelish Oreo managed to show enough early speed and determination to take charge on the bend. The 1-3 favourite then proceeded to see off Coolderry Kate by two lengths in 21.51. Killough Sniper was another four lengths away in third.