BLACK SHINES IN WILLIE MAHER MEMORIAL SECOND ROUND HEATS AT THURLES

Peter Farrell

After some fine action in the opening round of the Willie Maher Memorial 525 at Thurles Park one week prior, the second round heats featured on Saturday night and it was Black Shine that went quickest for the Pie-In-The-Sky-Syndicate.

A fifth place finish saw Black Shine eliminated in the opening round, however, she took full advantage of coming in on the reserve list as the 6/4 chance pounced at the halfway mark. Running from trap four, the daughter of Black Parachute and Daryanoor Shine was led early on by Kind Soul in three, however, came out best in a tightly knit pack approaching the third bend. Staying on strongly thereafter, ‘Shine’ crossed the line to win by two and a half lengths from Bust The Tins in second. The time was 29.09 .20s.

HEAT WATCH

The opening heat of the night was landed in trap-to-line fashion by Long Spartacus, who made it back-to-back victories in the competition. Trained by Michael Donnelly for Brian Doyle, this fellow won his opening round assignment in 29.17 and he made a swift exit from three to narrowly lead. Nip and tuck entering the back with Borna Thyme, the son of Dorotas Wildcat and Bangla Road quickly created daylight at the midway point and although ‘Borna’ came back for more in the closing yards, the leader held firm to win by one length. The time was 29.14 .20s.

Chasing Super found life difficult in the opening round when finishing a long way back in third, however Tadgh Morrissey’s charge clearly appreciated that outing as he claimed a first career victory. Going off the 6/4 favourite, the son of Explosive Boy and Buddies Friend emerged a one length winner over Unanimous Jax in second. The time was 29.62 .20s.

Listen Ellie was another polished winner last time out at Thurles as she sauntered to a six length victory and Patrick Maher’s charge was back in the winner’s podium with a similarly impressive performance. 5/4 at the off, the daughter of Skywalker Luke and Newlawn Tracker broke well from three but endured a troublesome passage around the opener as Miss Mini Belle set the pace. However, this didn’t deter ‘Ellie’ from closing the gap midway down the back and she proceeded to up the ante around the bottom two bends. Staying on stoutly at this point, Listen Ellie excelled on the run for home and she crossed the line two lengths clear of Ballycoole Boss in second. The time was 29.17 .20s.