BALLYMAC OPERA LEADS THE WAY IN THE LEE STRAND

Barry Drake

Ballymac Opera set the standard in round two of the 2023 Lee Strand at the Kingdom Greyhound Stadium on Friday night.

Owned and trained by Liam Dowling, the September puppy took control early on and the punters who took the short odds of 2-5 never had a moment's worry. In cruise control throughout, the impressive winner ran away from the field to win, by seven lengths, in 29.93. Killeacle Pepe was second best, with Saleen Candy two and a half lengths back in third.

IN OTHER HEATS

Saleen Conn finished strongly to land the second, in 30.02, for the kennel of Patrick O'Connor. The 4-1 shot displayed plenty of strong finishing speed to come through and land the spoils in fine fashion. Ballyard Oscar three quarters of a length back in second, with Starson Diva two and a half lengths back in third.

In the sixth of the night, Blastoff Chase impressed when winning for Philip Buckley. Always handy, the 4-5 market was forced to pull out all the stops in the closing stages to get the better of Vale Penny, by a short head, in 30.03. Seven lengths back to Spurce Zacopane in third place.

In the opening heat, Crossfield Auric made the most of the trouble along the inside of the track to score for Brendan O'Shea. Slipping clear early, the 7-2 shot kept on strongly to beat the running on hot favourite Ballymac Katie, by four and a half lengths, in 30.05. Lissycassey Harpa was nine and a half lengths back in third.

Race five went the way of Vale Jasper for owner Magaret Noonan and trainer Brian O'Sullivan. Showing lovely back straight pace to hit the front, the 5-1 winner ran on strongly to the line to beat Saleen Bradely, by a length and a half, in 30.24. Allowdale Icon a length back in third place.

Always handy, Cape Island beat a strong field of runners when recording back to back winning performances in race number seven for Michael McEllisttrim. Pulling away in the second half of  the contest, the 3-1 winner beat Carrahane Razl, by five lengths, in 30.07. Ballymac Feta a short head behind the runner up back in third.