MILLTOWN CATCHES THE EYE IN ENNISCORTHY’S LORD UNRACED

Ian Fortune

After a week long delay, the opening round of the Lord Unraced finally came to a conclusion at Enniscorthy on Monday night with Heats 2 and 3.

Both were won in good style but the manner in which Milltown West won the first of the two heats was particularly eye-catching.

The well bred son of Signet Ace and Endova Finale gave a number of his rivals a head start but it was his pace and strength from the second turn that set him apart. Only fourth early, losing a little more ground on the bend, he began to motor once straightening up into the back straight.

Cushie Capaldi was clear at this point but it was soon evident that Milltown West was going to be a major contender. Going third as they entered the back straight, the Peter Cronin trained youngster was soon on terms with Stripe Kitty in second.

Still four lengths or more down at halfway, he set his sights on the leader. If anything, he got to the leader too soon. Forced to wait for a chance to pass around the last two bends, he had to switch wide as they turned for home.

Milltown West still had work to do but he again took off up the home straight and collared the long-time leader in the closing yards for a three parts of a length success in 29.30 (.20 slow). He proceeded to draw right away into the pick up suggesting he could have a bright future over even further. His owners, the Antoniou, Gilbert, Cryan Syndicate can certainly look forward to having some real sport with Milltown West.

CHAMP DASHES TO THE FRONT

The final heat was a messy affair with Dashing Champ emerging on top for Noel Whitty.

A middle seed drawn in six, he edged across on thew run to the turn and somehow avoided the worst of the traffic to find himself in front before the second bend. Once doing so, the son of Lenson Bocko and Bouboulina proceeded to make every inch for a two and a half length success in 29.97 (.20 slow).