AMBER TAKES KILKENNY FEATURE

Ian Fortune

Barefoot Amber justified odds-on favouritism to land the €1,400 on offer in the final of the Mary Ramsbottom Memorial ON2 at Kilkenny on Friday evening.

Her task was somewhat helped by the withdrawal of Hey Champ from trap four, leaving room on her immediate inside.

Bryan and Kathleen Murphy’s Barefoot Amber took full advantage. The daughter of Pestana and Ballygur Pearl went up smartly to set the pace but she was soon pressed by Tracker Jack. The latter did all he could to take over at the had of affairs but Barefoot Amber dug in. Pawfectly stayed on strongly to come through for second but the Paul Hennessy trained Barefoot Amber held on by a half length in 29.22.  

PLAYBOY TOO SHARP IN GRADERS DERBY DECIDER

Rory Hickey’s Avongate Playboy chose the right night to open his account, producing a career best display to win the €1,000 final of the “Time” Graders Derby.

Shooting from trap five, the son of Crash and Physical Power made every inch although he needed to be on his toes in the latter stages to contain the advancing Beautyquickstep by a short head in 29.44. 

A DOUBLE FOR KAROL

Kapuka Warrior set the standard in the Coolavanny Hoffa @ Stud A1 525, initiating a double for Karol Ramsbottom, who sent out both heat winners.

Kapuka Warrior (Good News/ Cruel Intentions) finished strongly to lead late for a length verdict over Brand Dispute in 29.07.

Deadly Crusader completed the double, justifying favouritsm in the second heat. He avoided opening bend traffic to lead from the second bend before going on to hold Lynchy Boy by a half length in 29.14.