MUSIC INTHE AIR AND BALLYMAC CHARBEL IMPRESS IN LEE STRAND SEMI FINALS

Barry Drake

MUSIC INTHE AIR (Ballymac Cashout-Nocturnal Hekla) went quickest on the clock in the semi-finals of the €10,000 to the winner Lee Strand 550.

Trained by Patrick Guilfoyle for owners the Pension Plan Syndicate, the 4-7 favourite produced a quick start from trap two, and he took control early on. Displaying plenty of speed on the back straight, he led Tullig Coyote by a length as they approached the second-last corner, and from there, the powerful performer quickly put the race to bed. Staying on strongly up front, he flew home to beat the staying-on Ballymac Scheff, by three lengths, in 29.33. Moorstown Arwen made late gains for third, two lengths behind the runner-up.

In the second semi-final, Ballymac Charbel (Ballymac Kingdom-Ballymac Pete) came home in front for Liam Dowling. Cork runner Happy took an explosive start from trap one and set strong fractions up front. Charbel was flying down the back straight, and despite not having the clearest runs, he still managed to lead before the final corner. Powering up the home straight, the 4-6 favourite came home four lengths clear of Happy Me, in 29.46. Two lengths back to Gortatlea Mac in third place.