KUBA GOES QUICKEST IN RACE OF CHAMPIONS

Barry Drake

MAGICAL KUBA set the standard in the semi-finals of the Race of Champions in Tralee on Friday night with a fantastic winning performance.

Trained by Patrick Guilfoyle for owners the Westwell-Racing-Club-Syndicate, the 6-4 second favourite turned handy around the opening corners as Octane Cora was setting a very strong early pace. Magical Kuba always looked dangerous and he put on a superb finish to get the better of Octane Cora in the closing stages. A head the margin, in 29.51, a length back to Terezas Mendoza in third place.

CAME FROM THE CLOUDS

Raha Mofo came from the clouds to win the third and final semi-final for trainer Murt Leahy and owner Marissa Molloy.

Near last for most of the way, the 11-4 shot never looked like winning, but she was on a powerful finish to get up and grab victory in the final stride. About eight lengths behind at the second last corner, it was a superb display from the classy lady as she stopped the clock, in 29.65. A short head the margin, with three quarters of a length back to The Other Kobe in third.

ALL ABOUT ED

Ballinabola Ed ran out a wide margin winner of the second semi-final for trainer Pat Buckley and Brendan Murphy.

The 6-4 market leader just made the corner in front and he quickly pulled clear. Showing plenty of pace up front, it was all about Ballinabola Ed as he won with plenty to spare. Radical Hero was seven and a half lengths back in second, with Drombeg Ten with a short head back in third.