CHASE THE FUTURE CHAMPION

Ian Fortune

Clona Chase produced a flawless display to win the Future Champion & Michael Fortune Memorial at Enniscorthy on Monday night.

A good crowd was on hand and the weather was kind ahead of the €5,000 to the winner decider and for Kevin O’Brien and Pat Buckley it couldn’t have gone much better.

Clona Chase was sent to traps the 6-4 second choice in the betting behind Alien Freek but quickly set out his stall, flashing from trap two to dictate from the opening yards. In contrast, his perceived early dangers, Droopy Gallant and Alien Freek missed the kick and could never get involved.

It was left to litter brothers Monbeg United and Monbeg Notorious to give chase but as hard as they pressed, neither could get to the pace-setter. Clona Chase was in determined humour and ran a true line throughout to repel the challenge of those in behind.

Monbeg United displayed far better early speed than in previous outings and was right on the shoulder of Clona Chase at the turn. Indeed, he continued to race almost upsides as they entered the back straight before Clona Chase began to assert.

It was down the back straight that Clona Chase put the race to bed. Monbeg United just couldn’t stay with the leader. Clona Chase hit the third turn with two lengths in hand. Monbeg Notorious was now moving closer in third but Clona Chase continued to race with purpose up the home straight before crossing the line a length and a half to the good in 29.01. Monbeg Notorious stayed on well to pass his litter brother Monbeg United with a half length separating the pair in second and third.

The winner is a won of Deerjet Sydney and Nice Mystery and is clearly progressive. Pat Buckley hinted he would next be given an opportunity at Shelbourne Park.