MIGHTY HIGHVIEW FASTEST IN SHELBOURNE FEATURE

Ian Fortune

There was no shortage of entertainment at Shelbourne Park on Friday night with a number oft fine displays but the headlines went the way of the promising Highview Mighty as he set a strong standard in the semi-finals of the Go Greyhound Racing A3 (NB) 525.

Kingsland Kid broke fastest but Dolores Merriman’s Highview Mighty powered past him into the turn to set sail for home. Kilgraney Bolger, his market rival, gave chase but there was no stopping Highview Mighty. The Gerry Merriman trained son of Pat C Sabbath and Highview Picture would maintain a strong gallop throughout to by two lengths in 28.52.

FAIRY FLIES TO LEAD LATE

There was a tight finish to the opening semi-final with the Marie Gibert trained Astra Fairy finishing at speed to lead in the closing yards.

Paudie Keane’s daughter of Droopys Sydney and Astra Harena was a little distracted but took the verdict by a half length from Blackstone Benny in 28.72.

BOZADA GOES BALLISTIC

Fastest run of the night came from May Bozada as he left his rivals a mile behind in a supporting A2 contest.

Representing Shaun Conway and the Ponies To Pups Syndicate, the powerful son of Droopy Sydney and Peters Queen was ruthless, increasing his lead with each stride. He would eventually go on to win by an ever-increasing twelve lengths in a sizzling 28.13.

MANGO FASTEST IN DUAL DISTANCE

Mollys Mango was the fastest semi-final winner in the This Runs Deep A2 Dual Distance.

The Owen McKenna trained bitch moved on at the opening turn and eased clear in the closing stages to win by six lengths in a fast 29.67 for the 550yd trip. The other heat saw Crokers Rocket come home in front for John Croker in 30.00. 

JEWEL GLISTENS

Gallant Jewel opened her account over four bends in the semi-finals of the Barking Buzz App A3/A4 Bitch 525.

Prominent from the outset, she powered her way to the front on the third turn before easing on for a comfortable length and a half victory over Ballycairn Tess in 28.61.

LOCATION LOOKS STRONG

There were plenty of similarities with the opening heat winner and Location in the second semi.

Francie Murray’s daughter of Ballymac Anton and Leezie Lindsay was well behind Creevy Bird down the back straight but ran on well to win by a length in 28.73.

LINK GOES FAST

Chancellors Link also impressed in the opener, an A4/A5 525.

He said goodbye to graded company with an eight-length success. A brother to Kirby Memorial champion Knockeen Dazzler, the son of Laughil Blake and Love Island would leave his rivals in his dust, clocking a rapid 15.94 to the third turn before emerging eight lengths clear in 28.29.