BORNA MICK STARS AGAIN AS WHITEY GOES QUICKEST IN O’DORNAN MEMORIAL
Peter Farrell
The second round heats of the Sorley O’Dornan Memorial A4/A5 Guys & Dolls stake served as the highlight on last night’s card at Clonmel Greyhound Stadium and it was Whiteys Fullback who made it back-to-back wins for trained Declan Byrne.
Owned by Catherine Tuohy, Whiteys Fullback landed his first round assignment in 29.15 .10s but he upped the ante in last night’s second round, dominating from the outset to run out a most comfortable winner. Sent off as the 5/4 favourite, the son of Pestana and Whiteys Jewel meant business from the off as although not coming away too fluently, he showed a devastating turn of foot on the outside to leave his rivals from dust. Taking a five length lead into the back straight, the classy brindle stayed on stoutly in the closing yards to cross the line five lengths clear of Malachi Dream in second. The time was a fast 28.81 .10s.
HEAT WATCH
Next best in terms of the clock was Flaminhasntabob who also made it back-to-back victories in this stake. Sent to traps as the 4/6 favourite after an impressive 28.83 win last time out, the daughter of Magical Bale and Knocknadogue Jan made light work of this contest as she flashed out in front to dispute with Freeway Daphne early on. Flaminhasntabob had the inside line however, and she opened up an unassailable lead down the back straight which proved the key to victory. Staying on strongly thereafter, Flaminhasntabob was five lengths clear crossing the line, in a time of 28.92 .10s.
Double Blow (Good News – Ballybrack Gem) sprung a shock in heat two as he produced a strong finish to record his first win since November of last year. Owned by Sean Lilley, Double Blow was available at 5/1 prior to the off and he looked to have plenty of work on his plate as he occupied the rear position early on. However, first bend traffic saw Double Blow shoot through in second and he gave chase to Flashy Farloe, who had five lengths in hand out in front. Double Blow is a strong stayer however, and he rallied in the closing stages to nip up the inside and chin the leader by one length. The time was 29.14 .10s.
In the final heat of the night, Aspen Grove made it two wins on the spin for William Esmonde as she made every inch of the running. A young September 21’ daughter of Ballymac Best and Yahoo Ava, Aspen Grove shot out in front from two and she took control rounding the opening bend. Holding a comfortable lead down the back, Eskvale Becky did make fast inroads in the closing yards but the winning line came just in time for Aspen Grove as she secured victory. Just a half length separating the pair, the time for the 7/2 shot was 29.32 .10s.
MICK’S PERFORMANCE OF THE NIGHT
Borna Mick is a real talent and he made it two wins from just three starts in the Sporting Press Open 550.
Owned by the Borna-Syndicate, this greyhound had a baptism of fire when entered in the Kirby on debut but despite making an early exit, that confidence from connections has been repaid in the past couple of weeks. Sent off an even money chance after a rapid 28.64 .10s effort last time out, Borna Mick put this contest to bed early as he flashed from trap six to lead. Holding a three length lead over Classic Chick entering the back, the son of Ballymac Bolger and Borna Bula doubled his advantage within a couple of strides and it was clear he was producing a special performance in front. Staying on powerfully thereafter, Borna Mick romped to a facile seven and a half length victory over Brynoffa Arminta, who came through to claim second. The time was 29.76 .10s for the 550-yard trip, a brilliant effort for this March 21’ whelp.