TWOFOURONE SETS THE WEADICK STANDARD

Ian Fortune

Ballymac Katie may have been a hot favourite for the final heat of the T.P Weadick Open 725 at Kilkenny on Friday night but she ran into a really progressive young stayer in the form of Twofourone, who not only claimed a notable scalp, but also set a strong standard in the valuable six bend competition.

Both Newport Pier and Tuono Charlie won their respective heats in fine style but neither could match Twofourone on the clock.

A POWER-PACKED EFFORT FROM TWOFOURONE

Trained by Mick English for Owen and Pat Dooley, Twofourone had a favourable draw in the stripes but he needed both his undoubted pace and power to take full advantage.

Prominent from the outset, the son of Pat C Sabbath and Highview Jayne joined and headed Glengar Priscila as they hit the fourth bend.

It was at this point where the race was won and lost. Ballymac Katie was a very close third but she tight on the fence and looking for room. AS she became entangled with Glengar Priscila, Twofourone made his move, skipping clear.

Ballymac Katie finally got loose into the fifth bend and closed the gap all the way to the line but Twofourone as relentless out front and he hit the line three parts of a length clear in 40.75. Peters Sydney was a further five and a half lengths adrift in third. 

PIER STANDS ALONE

Newport Pier was a comfortable winner of the opening heat for the Mullins Curtin Syndicate. Breaking in front, he just cleared the corner and was always in charge thereafter. Ballymac Opera initially gave chase but she could never land a telling blow.

Instead, Lisdaleen Range ran on strongly to grab second but Newport Pier was too good. The son of Droopys Sydney and Cantcallherthat emerged a five length winner over Lisdaleen Range in 40.87 with Ballymac Opera another length adrift in third.

CHARLIE POWERS TO VICTORY

Kinturk Road was the 4-6 favourite to land Heat 2 but, after a slow start, she could never get close enough to worry the eventual winner Tuono Charlie.

Cesarewitch runner-up Faypoint Angry took charge into the turn to set a strong gallop but was always under pressure with the Sharon Hunt trained Tuono Charlie slipping around in second.

Passing the stands, Faypoint Angry had four lengths in hand but Tuono Charlie is proven over six bends and he bridged the gap down the back straight to sit on the heels of the leader at the fifth turn.

Joining the pace-setter on the final turn, Tuono Charlie eased on. Kinturk Road was now closing fast but Tuono Charlie kicked off the final bend to emerge a good winner. Paul Dyer’s son of Good News and Farronrory Bonny emerged a two-length scorer in 40.97. Kinturk Road was second with Faypoint Angry another four and a half lengths further adrift in third.