UNMATCHED ONCE AGAIN SETS THE STANDARD IN THE CORK OAKS
Barry Drake
UNMATCHED (Droopys Sydney-Droopys Alice) set the standard in the semi-finals of the Apex Global Resources Ltd Cork Oaks at Curraheen Park on Saturday night.
Trained by Johnny Linehan for owners the Swipe Right Syndicate, the 5-4 favourite came away racing from the trap six draw, and the classy lady slipped around in front. Quickening clear on the back straight, the race was over in a couple of strides. Another stunning winning display, clocking 28.36 and she beat the fast-finishing Orchid Queen, who once again caught the eye with her big finishing speed, by two lengths, in 28.36.
MADE FULL USE OF THE INSIDE DRAW
In the opening semi-final, BALLYMAC RUN made full use of the inside draw when winning for Liam Dowling.
The 6-4 favourite was in front early and she dug deep throughout to return to winning ways. Always doing enough up front, it was a brave performance, clocking 28.63 as she beat Faypoint Susie, by a length, in 28.63.
PLENTY OF PACE
GLORIOUS BEST displayed plenty of pace to win the €1,100 to the winner Greyhound Racing Ireland A1 550 stake.
Trained by Pat O'Connell for owners John Lyons and Donal O'Carroll, the 6-4 favourite took up the running before the opening corner, and from there, the talented performer was always in control. Strong in front, he beat Millridge Zara, by three and a half lengths, in 30.39.
QUICKEST ON THE CLOCK
ROAMING TURBO went quickest on the clock when delivering a top-class performance in race number six, an A0 contest.
Trained by Kieran Lynch for Eoin Ivers and Fintan Lawlor, the 4-5 favourite looked a star in the making from day one, however, he has had his injury problems. Flying from traps to make every yard of the running, Roaming Turbo showed awesome pace to beat Newinn Port, by six and a half lengths, in 28.25.
STRONGEST WHEN WINNING
DAGINGERBREADMAN, trained by Paul Hennessy for owner Cian Gleeson, was strongest when winning the €1,800 to the winner Maries Wedding A3/A4 Tri Distance Final.
The 6-4 market turned close around the opening couple of corners and the fast-finishing winner was on top in the closing stages. Enjoying the 575-yard trip, the impressive winner beat Samba Bailey, by four and a half lengths, in 31.50.
IMPRESSIVE EARLY SPEED
Race 11, an AAO, was won by BALLINAKILL ALF, for trainer Graham Holland and owners the Pillar Syndicate.
The 4-7 favourite showed impressive early speed to take control early on. All one-way traffic up front, he beat Droopys Beglin, by four and a half lengths, in 28.62, at odds of 4-7.
CHECK OUT
Check out the Curraheen Park social media platforms for plenty of interviews from the track with Barry Drake. Finally, a huge well done to the Curraheen Park Racing Team, and the Curraheen Park Supporters Club for all the ongoing hard work at the track. Every race on Saturday night had additional prize money which is always beneficial and very much appreciated for all involved.