LUKA REWARDED FOR IMPRESSIVE DUNDALK DEBUT IN ALDO UNRACED

Ian Fortune

Magical Luka was a brilliant winner in the opening round of the Carrick Aldo @ Stud ON1 400 at Dundalk on Saturday night and he has been rewarded for his efforts with another trap one draw in this weekend’s semis-finals.

The Pat Guilfoyle trained son of King Sheeran and Magical Mary was simply too good for his rivals last week, following up an eye-catching 21.07 qualifying trial, with a superb 21.04 return on debut. It’s perhaps no surprise to see him shine so bright on debut as it’s something his dam did almost four years ago when clocking an incredible 28.10 around Limerick in her first ever start. 

She would go on to classic success the following year when landing the 2022 Irish Cesarewitch at Mullingar. It’s wonderful to see her throwing fast pups. 

Magical Luka will be a hot favourite in the opening semi on Saturday with the next fastest qualifier in his heat being Rolo Tokyo, who actually finished six and a half lengths second to the favourite on debut. 

SANTINO ALSO LOOKS HOT 

The second semi-final is a bit more competitive, although Crafty Santino is perhaps the one to beat after a fine 21.25 return on debut. 

She too is bred to be special as a half-sister to the exceptional Oaks and Laurels winner Crafty Shivoo. 

Of her rivals, Mustang Rocket and Exclusion Order are both respected with both clocking in the 21.40s range last weekend. The semi-finals of the valuable Carrick Aldo @ Stud Open Unraced 400 are the feature of Saturday’s card at Dundalk and one wonders could one of those on view go on to emerge a player in the upcoming Bar One Irish Sprint Cup. Early indications suggest that could be the case.