BRILLIANT PERFORMANCE FROM BALLYARD OSCAR IN LEE STRAND 550

Barry Drake

BALLYARD OSCAR went quickest in round three of the Lee Strand 550 in Tralee on Friday night.

Owned and trained by Michael Daly, the August puppy got it right at the traps this time around and once he slipped around the opening turns in front, it was game over. Such a powerful performer, the 7-2 winner was showing bundles of pace at the head of affairs.

Favourite Blastoff Chase was running a big race in second and at the line, just two lengths separated them, in the quickest of the night, a flying 29.54 winning performance. Saleen Conn was three lengths behind the runner-up in third place. 

THREE STRAIGHT WINS
In the previous heat, Vale Jasper recorded three straight wins for trainer Brian O'Sullivan and owner Margaret Noonan.

Allowdale Icon looked like a real danger heading into the opening corner, but when he came together with the winner, he lost all chance. The early-paced Vale Jasper quickly shot clear and although Allowdale Icon made some late gains, the impressive winner still had a length and a half to spare, in 29.83. Six and a half lengths back to Saleen Candy in third.

IN OTHER RACES
In the second heat, Ballymac Opera just got the verdict over Saleen Bradley in a very exciting finish. Liam Dowling's even-money favourite missed a beat early, but the September youngster kept finding in the closing stages. A brave winning display, just a short head in front of Saleen Bradley, with a length back to Vale Penny in third place.

In the opening heat, Nothing On You showed plenty of early dash when winning for Patrick Norris and Mark Lowther. The even-money favourite was clear early, but it got very close late on. Runner-up Ballymac Katie didn't enjoy the clearest of runs and a length separated them at the line, in 29.87, with two lengths back to Butterbridge Roy in third place.