THE SECRET IS OUT AT DUNDALK
Ian Fortune
The Bar 1 Betting Irish Sprint Cup has a very different look to it after Saturday’s second round with a couple of the bigger names making their exit, while others put down a marker including Montana Secret as he posted a sizzling 20.89 to set the standard.
The action commenced with a real blow as ante-post Magical Luka finished tailed off after picking up a muscle injury at trap rise. He was treated by the track vet and was comfortable but it could potentially mean the end of his track career.
SECRET GOES BALLISTIC
Bary and Martin O’Reilly’s Montana Secret took the headlines, however. A newcomer to sprinting, he ran well in the opening round when finishing second but was a different proposition in Heat 2 as he powered his way to a brilliant success.
Gizmo Mysterio was fastest into stride but Montana Secret was soon on his shoulder and continued to advance. Taking over before the corner, the Johnny Linehan trained son of Signet Ace and Droopys Alice moved on.
Southwind Storm turned second and did all he could to stay in touch but Montana Secret was on a mission up front. A half brother to former Irish Sprint Cup winner Broadstrand Syd, Montana Secret was hugely impressive as he posted 20.89 to see off his rival by two and three quarter lengths. Gizmo Mysterio was three lengths away in third.
SWEET DREAM
Next fastest was Tiermana Dream as he continued his superb run of form, posting 20.96 for the second week running.
Again, razor-sharp to the turn, the Colm Fitzgerald trained son of Ballyhimikin Jet and Tiermana Jetty was soon in command and proceeded to see off Rallying Billy by two and a half lengths in 20.96. there was a three-length gap to Yurty Magurty in third.
A SPLENDID RUN
Looking Splendid impressed in the opening heat. His task was made somewhat easier by the unfortunate injury to Magical Luka but he still had to show his class to emerge on top. Fantasy Adam broke fastest and led in the early yards but Looking Splendid took of for Graham Kelly and Thomas McKevitt.
Charging up the rail, he asserted on the corner and proceeded to ease clear. The son of Magical Bale and Three Canons went on to beat veteran Barefoot On Fire by two and three quarter lengths in 21.05. There was almost five lengths to Droopys Apollo in third.
OTHER RUNS WILD
The Other Wild and Born Ranger finished first and second for Jennifer O’Donnell in the final heat. The Other Wild was at his professional best as he shot from four and quickly put himself in a position to maintain his unbeaten record in the classic.
Born Ranger and Shadow Oftherock both displayed pace in defeat but the Born Wild Syndicate owned The Other Wild was always travelling like a winner. The son of Ballymac Wild and Whitings Gift hit the line three parts of a length in front of Born Ranger in 21.05 with another length to Shadow Oftherock in third.
NINA HOLDS OFF COOLIO
Bomber Nina and Crafty Coolio had a great battle to the line in Heat 5 with the former taking the verdict by the minimum margin. Bomber Nina broke fastest from two and had to shake off the early challenge of Minstrel Rocket to turn in front. Crafty Coolio ran a superb opening bend to move second and began to close on the leader.
The pair drove to the line locked in battle but Bomber Nina emerged on top for Jack Kennelly and Gavin Johns with the daughter of Ballymac Bolger and Ballymac Cams winning by a short head in 21.08. Aayamza Dazzeler was best of the rest, five lengths further adrift.
BUDDY SHOWS HIS STRENGTH
Anna Murray and Michael Malone’s Buddy Bruno appreciated every inch of the 400yd trip in Heat 4 as he powered home to pick up Velvet Samba. The David Murray trained Buddy Bruno broke fastest from the inside box but failed to contain Velvet Samba into the bend.
He lost further ground at the turn as he checked his stride but recovered quickly before powering home to lead late. Buddy Bruno got up to beat Velvet Samba by a half length in 21.32. Firstpastthepost was third another length and a quarter further back.