FLASHY FRDIAY NIGHT RUNS IN DUBLIN
Ian Fortune
There were some superb runs at Shelbourne Park on Friday night.
The two feature finals were both won in fine style by the strong running duo of Jaypees Cooper and Knockduff Diva, while Droopys Feather looked a serious prospect on the undercard. Throw in a few more impressive displays and it really was a cracking night of action in Dublin.
DIVA A GUYS AND DOLLS STAR
Knockduff Diva followed up an impressive semi-final run to capture the final of the Shelbourne Park A2/A3 Guys & Dolls.
Sallowglen Gold displayed fine early dash to take over on the opening bend, chased by Hazelhill Marty but both were in trouble when Knockduff Diva emerged a close third.
Owned by Pat and Aodhan Doyle, Knockduff Diva quickly set her sights on the leaders. Showing fine pace, she closed right up into the third turn to join the leaders on the fence before quickly moving on between the last two bends.
Showing real power, the daughter of Pestana and Ballymac Orna flew clear to eventually score by five lengths from Sallowglen Gold in 28.60.
COOPER TOO STRONG
Jaypees Cooper ran quite a race to win the final of the Two Steps To Victory A2 Dual Distance for Shaun Conway and the St Patriks Valencia Crew.
Relishing the extra emphasis on stamina over the 575yd trip, the son of King Elvis and proven brood Ballymac Merkle, he overcame early traffic to come from well off the pace to earn a well-deserved victory.
Fourth into the bend, he was forced to check his stride and was briefly relegated to fifth as they entered the back straight. Old Chicago set the pace, chased by Montana Shadow and Me Theholyman but none of the trio had an answer to the strength and power of Jaypees Cooper.
Closing in fourth into the third turn, he stayed wide of his rivals to arrive late and fast. Powering to the line, Jaypees Cooper got up to win by an ever-extending length and a half from Me Theholyman in 31.53.
FEATHER PACKS A PUNCH ON DEBUT
Indeed, no greyhound on the night could match the display of debutant Droopys Feather in the opener.
A member of the talented Droopys Addition/ Droopys Alyssa litter, the Robert Gleeson trained youngster posted a sizzling 28.20 in the ON1 opener.
This was a statement display from a young bitch with a big future. In charge from the opening yards, she displayed awesome speed to the third turn to clock an incredible 15.78 sectional. Comeon Me Girl also ran a big race in second but could never get close enough to threaten. Droopys Feather emerged a five length winner and looks set to be a big player in the upcoming Puppy Oaks if asked to do so. Owner Kieran Grant has found a real gem and he can look forward to some big nights with his July ’24 puppy.
ALEXA LOOKS HOT
Another promising youngster impressed on debut with Angry Alexa setting the standard in the semi-finals of the Upcoming Suncroft Festival Puppy Oaks ON2 525.
A daughter of Swords Rex and Angry Alexa, she looked razor-sharp as she flashed from boxes to make every inch.
Representing Liam Walsh and handler Murt Leahy, Angry Alexa never saw a rival as she emerged a facile six length winner over Ballinahow Hope in a rapid 28.49.
AN ANNADOWN DOUBLE
Gerry Dillon made the journey up from Galway and was duly rewarded for his efforts as he recorded an impressive double with Annadown Kisses and Annadown Elliot both showing their rivals a clean pair of heels from the outset.
The former made an impressive debut in the aforementioned Upcoming Suncroft Festival Puppy Oaks ON2 525.
A daughter of Grangeview Ten and Annadown Cutie, she flashed from boxes and made all to win by six lengths from YoureGonna Be in 28.73.
Her litter brother Annadown Elliot also won off the front, maintaining his unbeaten career record with a fourth victory. Showing fine early dash along the fence, Annadown Elliot made every inch to get the better of Coolemount Flame by two lengths in 28.79.