SECRET SETS A STRONG STANDARD IN DUBLIN CUP

Ian Fortune

Sober Secret may weigh in at a whopping 95lbs but he can really shift and he again posted a massive run in the Dublin Cup at Shelbourne Park on Friday night, getting loose in Heat 5 to record a fastest of the round 28.46 for Karol Ramsbottom and the Cash Back Syndicate.

Challenged early by Ravenswood Teddy, Sober Secret (Droopys Sydney/ Sober Pearl) looked more like a ballerina around the turn, showing real balance and fluency to take charge before easing on for a facile eight and a half-length victory. Ravenswood Teddy would take second, a half length ahead of Lolos Littler. 

A FREE-FLOWING SUCCESS

Next fastest was Free Flow for Francie Murray in Heat 4.

Afforded plenty of room in the opening exchanges with Ravenswood Birdy edging to the fence from trap four, Free Flow took full advantage. Prominent into the bend, she moved into the lead before the third turn, showing no sign of letting up on the run for home.

The daughter of Ballymac Bolger and Great Intention would go on to cross the line nine and a half lengths to the good in 28.68. Ashmar Una was second with Gallant Hunter two lengths further adrift in third.

LIAM TOO STRONG

Knockmiten Liam was also given room on the outside of the track in Heat 2.

Owned jointly by Jimmy O’Hanlon and May Kearns, the strong running son of Broadstrand Bono and Knockmitten Mag was too strong for early pace-setter Sryax into the third turn and powered clear for a six-length verdict over his rival in 28.73. Coolemount Dubh was best of the remainder, three and a half lengths back.

JOE FOLLOWS UP

After setting the standard in the opening round, Skidrow Joe (Ballymac Bolger/ Coolavanny Chick) followed up in the first of the evening’s six heats.

Taking control into the bend despite taking a bump at trap rise before putting the result beyond doubt to halfway. Priceless On Ice finished with real purpose to take second but Skidrow Joe held on to score for Owen McKenna and De Buitlear Syndicate by two lengths in 28.85. Pain Barrier was just three parts of a length further back in third.

ADONIS SHINES

Zaconey Adonis (Ballymac Cashout/ Bull Run Bolt) won the final heat for Eric and Niall Foley.

Going up fastest, he would make every inch to emerge a five length winner over New Note in 29.04 with Diabolik another half-length further back.

KAMARIA REVERSES FORM

Razldazl Kamaria and Import Duty went toe to toe in the opening round and the pair again clashed in Heat 3 with the former reversing the form.

Always disputing the lead, Dolores Ruth’s son of Ballymac Best and Boylesportstwink moved on turning for home before holding off the big finish of Highview Daniel by a half length in 29.08. It was the same distance back to Import Duty in third.