KNOCKNADOGUESTAR SETS THE STANDARD IN SORLEY O’DORNAN SEMIS

Peter Farrell

The semi-finals of the Sorley O’Dornan Memorial 525 headlined proceedings at Clonmel Greyhound Stadium on Friday night, with Knocknadoguestar continuing her impressive sweepstake campaign courtesy of another polished display for the Don't-Know-Syndicate.

Still only an October pup, Knocknadoguestar lined up in the second semi-final in pursuit of a third consecutive victory, having posted 28.84 in the opening round before a marginally slower effort in last week’s second round. Installed as the 11/10 favourite, the daughter of Ballymac Cashout and Flaminhasntabob signalled her intent from the outset, breaking sharply from trap four and clocking a rapid 2.74 sectional. That early pace saw her open up a four-length advantage by the first bend, and she maintained a relentless gallop down the back straight, recording an impressive 16.11 to the third bend. Emers Ariel caught the eye in second, finishing four lengths behind, but the race revolved around Knocknadoguestar, who stopped the clock in a fast 28.63.

The opening semi-final produced an upset as Taylors Tipple (Jaytee Taylor - Luna Rocket) defied expectations for trainer Paul Hennessy, scoring at odds of 5/1.

Representing the Four-In-A-Bed-Syndicate, Taylors Tipple had won her opening round in 29.05 but was forced to settle for second in her previous outing after encountering early traffic. Sent off as the 11/8 favourite, Vernon Mist made a bright start and disputed the early lead with Taylors Tipple on the outside. The pair remained closely matched for much of the contest, but the race took a decisive turn approaching the final bend, where Vernon Mist found himself squeezed between Taylors Tipple and Grantstown Tas. In the closing stages, stamina proved decisive, with Taylors Tipple finishing strongest to score by a length from Grantstown Tas in second. The winning time was 29.11.

UNDERCARD

On the undercard, there were a series of smart performances starting with Chaotic Gustav in the curtain raiser. Sent off at 4/1 for Peter and Dora Hattemore, ‘Gustav’ was out with the washing early on as Callaway Danny set a scorching gallop early on. However, the son of Pestana - Heathview Petra made steady progress passing the halfway mark and he finished with a wet sail on the inside to cross the line with one length to spare over Callaway Danny in second. The time was 28.66.

The Tipperary Roses Open 525 produced a decisive display from Titanic Brads (9/4), who secured a fourth career success for Derry owner James Campbell. Having delivered a standout effort in defeat last time, finishing runner-up to Indian Mist on Kirby Final night, the son of Deerjet Sydney and Bogger Swift made no mistake on this occasion. Showing sharp early pace from trap one, the Graham Holland-trained black quickly asserted control and set about stretching the field. Maintaining a strong gallop throughout, Titanic Brads posted a brisk 16.08 to the third bend, before staying on stoutly to repel the challenge of Oriental Prince. Crossing the line with just under four lengths to spare, the winning time was a brisk 28.76.