Ian Fortune
Singalong Dolly is a classic champion after a runaway victory in a track record breaking time in the TIME Irish Cesarewitch at Mullingar on Sunday afternoon.
It certainly come as a shock to anyone as she was sent off the 4-11 favourite following the withdrawal of her kennel companion and defending champion Bobsleigh Dream.
Brigadier Jaxx broke fastest from trap two and led in the opening yards with Ballycairn Flash challenging but neither had an answer to the superior early speed of Singalong Dolly. Once taking charge between the winning line and the corner, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Mydras Dawn soon took complete control.
Entering the back straight with four lengths in hand on Ballycairn Flash with Brigadier Jass a further two and a half lengths away third, Singalong Dolly waws well on her way to Cesarewitch glory. Despite the best efforts of those in behind, the Pat Buckley trained Singalong Dolly was in a league of her own.
Stretching on to hit the third turn with six lengths to spare, she maintained a relentless gallop to power further and further clear on the run in. Faypoint Angry finished well to come through for second in the closing yards but Singalong Dolly had little more than a solo trial, crossing the line an incredible twelve and a half lengths clear in a stunning track record breaking 32.74. Ballycairn Flash ran a fine race in third, just a length further adrift.
Both Pat Buckley, who was winning his fifth Irish Cesarewitch after the previous victories of Micks Savings, Paradise Maverik, Droopys Acrobat and Bobsleigh Dream, and owner Gilbert Anderson would have been confident ahead of the decider but to take a spot off the previous track record of Meenagh Miracle would have been a real cherry on top.
It’s clear after her Puppy Oaks, Champion Bitch Stake and Cesarewitch victories that Singalong Dolly is a notable performer and her connections will be looking forward to challenging for further major honours in the coming months.
BOSS READY TO GO IN CONSOLATION
Earlier on the card, Boss Go emerged a good winner of the consolation Cesarewitch, proving too strong at the business end or long-time leader Miss Mini Holly.
The latter took charge on the bend with Typical Bono steering a middle path.
Just behind the duo, Boss Go stayed tight to the fence to move third and quickly challenge for second. Miss Mini Holy continued to lead to the third turn but moved off the rail between the last two bends, leaving room for Boss Go to make his move.
Conor Curtin’s son of Skywalker Rafa and Brickfield Roxy hit the front on the inside of the track and proceeded to stay on well for a length verdict over Miss Mini Holly in 33.28.