KOBE FASTEST AS WONDERFUL PLATE GETS UNDERWAY

Ian Fortune

The Other Kobe was one of the biggest names to exit the early rounds of the Boylesports Irish Greyhound Derby after falling from traps in his opening round assignment.

It was a dreadful way to make his exit but it clearly had no effect on him as he went fastest in the opening round of the Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate at Shelbourne Park on Friday.

Showing his trademark early dash, the Jennifer O’Donnell trained star was always in complete command as he saw off the staying on Ballymac Joey by seven length in 29.48. The son of Ballymac Best and Mountaylor Queen is clearly a big player in the plate and owners B Clare and David L’estrange can hope for more luck than the Derby itself.

BORDER IMPRESSES

Next fastest was Ballymore Border as he again sent out a reminder of just how fast he is in Heat 6. Trained by Owen McKenna for Una O’Sullivan, the son of Laughil Blake and Cu Abu turned relatively close to the pace being set by the favourite Flaminmoneybags before moving through the gears down the back straight.

Taking charge on the third turn, he eased away to see off the early leader by three lengths in 29.49. Ballymac Ben ran on for third.

JO SETS THE TONE

Both Graham Holland and Peter Cronin had a double in the heats.

Holland won the opening heat with Garryvoe Joe. Pat Moloney’s son of Dorotas Wildcat and Jalingo flew into the turn to challenge the fast starting Benalmadena Roxy.

Once getting around the early leader, he cut her off causing a domino type effect in behind. Garryvoew Joe was left clear and he ran out a ready four length winner over Ballymac Drama and Glendalough in 29.69.

REX COMPLETES GRAHAM’S DOUBLE

The second leg of the Holland double came with Kirby memorial champion Swords Rex returning to wining ways.

Barbara Lowndes’ son of Droopy Sydney and Starry Display slipped around in second behind the fast-starting Decs Guinness before charging into the third turn to take over. From there he cruised home four lengths clear of the fast-finishing Produce Stakes winner Gaston Pecas in 29.63. Decs Guinness was third.

KILDARE INITIATES CRONIN DOUBLE

Kildare and Da Bold Freddie provide Peter Cronin with his double. Kildare was hot favourite to win Heat 5 but he gave his supporters a little fright in the early yards.

Edging inwards from trap five after a moderate start, he was only third into the turn but displayed good track craft to round the front two, Bockos Palace and Ballymac Fairone.

AS that pair bumped, Kildare shot clear and by halfway the result was beyond doubt. Aidan Comerford’s English Derby runner-up ran right to the line to beat his litter brother Gymcrack by seven lengths in 29.59.    

FREDDIE WINS IN BOLD FASHION

Pat McDonagh’s Da Bold Freddie returned to his fast starting ways in Heat 8 to complete the double for Cronin.

It was important the son of Ballymac Bolger and Ballymac Belle got off to a fast start as it allowed him contain Twoinarow into the corner.

With the latter running off the turn, Da Bold Freddie increased his lead into the back straight. Bobsleigh Dream did run on strongly to emerge from the pack and closed on the run in but Da Bold Freddie held on for a deserving neck victory in 29.56. It was wonderful to see Da Bold Freddie return to his best and he is now a big player in the competition.

DREAM RUN FOR SUNSHINE

Sunshine Dream made the most of an ideal draw on the fence in Heat 4.

Representing Brid and Brendan Maunsell, the son of Droopys Jet and Fire Height Brid broke fastest and was afforded room to race as Emily Jet edged wide from trap two.

It was all Sunshine Dream needed. Moving with fluency throughout, the June ’20 whelp went on to see of the aforementioned Emily Jet by four lengths in 29.81. Kilgraney Sydney was given no room to race but safely qualified in third.

MET WINS WELL

There was much to like about the display of Laurence Jones’ Well Met as he ran out a good winner of Heat 7.

Showing fine early speed and determination, he forced his way between rivals on the corner to hit the front. Scooby Prince pushed hard throughout but Well Met was not going to be denied.

Staying on strongly, the son of Ballymac Best and Corduff Flame held of Scooby Prince by a length in 29.59.