PIER IMPRESSES IN OPENING ROUND OF GALWAY TRI-DISTANCE

Peter Farrell

The opening round heats of the gogreyhoundracing.ie A2/A3 Tri Distance served up some terrific action at Galway Greyhound Stadium last night and it was Newport Pier who was particularly impressive for the Curtin-Mullins-Syndicate.  

A 5/2 chance at the outset, Newport Pier has been well trialed thus far in her career but she stepped out last night in search of a first career win, albeit in just her fourth start. After clocking very well in those three starts prior, the daughter of Droopys Sydney and Cantcallherthat put it all together last night with a quite dominant performance in the opening heat of the night. Running from trap four, Newport Pier was led early on by Balrobuck Dream but quickly asserted upon entrance to the second turn. From here, she proved a class above her rivals as he set a stunning gallop, before staying on brilliantly to score by four and a half lengths. The time was 28.75 .10s.

Showing that this Tri-Distance will take a bit of winning, Albert Mullins also sent out two winners as Fantasy Penny (Redzer Ardfert - Fantasy Lane) went next best in heat three. Another who was available at 5/2 in the market, Fantasy Penny was chasing a third win from her last four starts and she broke well from trap four to take control at the opener. From here, the Mark Lane-owned runner set a smart gallop to cross the line two and a half lengths clear of Portumna Saphire in second. The time was 28.95 .10s.

The remaining heat was landed by Ballyea Scrutiny for Noel Gavin and Albert Mullins. Now well into his fifth year, the son of Droopys Buick and Flandys Hawkeye clearly retains most of his ability as he made it fourteen career wins with a trap-to-line display. Breaking fast from five, Ballyea Scrutiny never saw another tail as he set a strong gallop to come home two and a half lengths clear of Hunters Val in second. The time was 29.10 .10s.