SCAMPI WINS AN 1XBET ISLANDBRIDGE OPEN SPRINT THRILLER

Ian Fortune

The judge was called into action before declaring Droopys Scampi a brilliant winner of the 1XBET Islandbridge Open Sprint at Shelbourne Park on Friday night.

Portrush Ben played a huge part in making this a real thriller but ultimately, Droopys Scampi was simply too strong, storming home to score by a narrow margin for Johnny Linehan and Sean Dunphy.

Stonepark Browne went to traps the 2-1 favourite but a missed start cost him his opportunity. In contrast, Portrush Ben flashed from the inside box to dictate to the bend. Droopys Scampi was soon in chase, however.

Closing on her rival into the bend, the daughter of Droopys Flytline and Droopys Winifred was ready to pounce as they turned for home. In a driving finish, Droopys Scampi flew up the straight to join and head Portrush Ben for a neck verdict in a rapid 18.54. there was a further four length gap to Stonepark Browne in third.

There are plenty of options for the winner. Of course, she could go to Dundalk and contest the Irish Sprint Cup but the manner in which she finished off her race suggests she could stay further. It will be interesting to see where she goes next.

YORKY FASTEST ON UNDERCARD

Thomas Glynn’s Carrick Yorky starred in the semi-finals of the Sporting Press A3 NB, charging home to pick up long-time leader Charming Charlie in the opening heat.

The latter set a searching gallop but had no answer to the David Murray trained Carrick Yorkie in the closing yards. The son of Signet Ace and Ballymac Orna came through to win by three lengths in a massive 28.31.

TURBO SHOWS PROMISE

The second semi-final saw Turnon The Turbo emerge a good winner after forcing her way to the front around the last two bends.

Owned by Brendan and Adam Matthews, the daughter of Grangeview Ten and Lincoln Legacy held of the eye-catching late charge of Poppy Queen to win by three parts of a length in 28.81.  

MCELROY IMPRESSES

There was also two impressive runs in the semi-finals of the Two Steps To Victory A1 Dual Distance with DrumcrowMcelroy going fastest with a 28.47 return.

Representing Roy and Crawford Ruddy, the son of Drumcrow Darwin was always to the fore and stayed on well to beat Town Lucky by two lengths.

The other heat went the way of Eugene Hearns’ Yacht View as she took charge early to contain the persistent challenge of Zenith Wizard. The Gerry Merriman trained daughter of Orchestrate emerge on top by two lengths in 28.57.