BLAKE & GEM CLAIM LIMERICK FEATURES

Peter Farrell

There was another action-packed card on offer at Limerick Greyhound Stadium last night but the highlights were the two finals of the Callaway Pro Am @ Stud 600 and the Limerick & Clare GOBA 525.

Boasting a €1,500 first prize, the Callaway Pro Am @ Stud A3 600 was the first decider up for grabs and the Denis Murphy-sponsored stake went as scripted with Rocket Blake seeing off Glengar Brett. The two unbeaten runners in this stake heading into the showpiece, Rocket Blake had dipped under 33-seconds in round one and as such, he was installed as the 5/4 favourite, with Glengar Brett next best at 6/4. At traprise, it was Rocket Blake who emerged in front and his black jacket just held the improving Glengar Brett on the long run to the opening bend. Less than one length separating the duo down the back, it proved a nip and tuck contest and very much developed into a two-dog affair as the two market leaders pulled clear of the rest of the field. Still holding ‘Brett’ in second, Rocket Blake, owned by Sean Hayes and Gordon Vaughan, manufactured a clear lead rounding the bottom two bends and he stayed on stoutly on the long run home to cross the line two and a half lengths clear of the gallant, Glengar Brett, in second. The time was a fast 32.94.

GEMS UPSETS THE APPLE CART

Although the favourite was to oblige in the first final on the night, there was to be an upset on the cards in the Limerick & Clare GOBA A2/A3 525 final as Skirk Gem got the better of the odds-on favourite, We Got This.

We Got This had produced some stunning efforts in the earlier rounds of this valuable stake when clocking 28.50 and 28.66 respectively and as such, he was understandably installed as the 4/5 favourite heading into the event. Skirk Gem, meanwhile, went to boxes as a 3/1 chance and Christopher Delaney’s tracker picked a fine night to bolt from traps as he pounced from trap three to set a blistering gallop early doors. Holding a two length lead entering the back, Tally Ho Storm occupied second at this point, however, this was short-lived as We Got This breezed past his rival to improve into second. Looking a huge threat at this point, the jolly met Skirk Gem at the wrong time entering the penultimate turn and as a result, was forced to check, allowing Skirk Gem to continue his assault on the final. Firmly in charge once again, the son of Droopys Sydney and Oldburrin Diva stayed on stoutly on the run for home and he saw off We Got This by one and a half lengths crossing the line. The time was a good 28.78.