What a stadium and what an experience at Shelbourne Park. It was buzzing on Saturday night for the quarter-finals of the Derby, writes Peter Walker.
The track surface was well prepared before and during the evening’s racing.
There were no issues, apart from Ballinabola Jim who was knocked over at the opening corner. He picked himself up and continued on to the finish and appeared none the worse for his accident.
He’s been a bit unlucky in some ways, but his day will come.
The Michael Fortune Memorial Derby Plate started the competition races.
Flying success
Magical Major got favourite backers off to a flying success. He had to come from behind to take control at the fourth bend which not many runners have managed that at the track.
Heat 2 saw a dominant display from Sunshine Sioux from a fairly level break, although had the advantage of the inside rail.
The last heat included joint favourites in Hopes Teddy and Ballymac Axel. Our imported recruit was not to be denied and took over at the half-way stage.
The wide seed did an impromptu lap of honour after escaping from the pick-up area. You could tell he was really chuffed with himself, and deservedly so.
The first quarter-final saw Cheap Sandwiches take command from the second turn and won well in a fastest of the night in 29.27 seconds. He is the consummate professional who always seems to negotiate a clear passage from a wide berth.
The second was only an all inside five-runner affair with Tarsna Maasai withdrawn earlier in the week.
Trouble at the first bend saw the inside runners hold sway with a 1-2-3 qualifying finish and another favourite Magical Mag doing the business.
Then came Proper Heiress representing the prospects of a nation and up against the only other unbeaten dog Cheque For Cash.
READ MORE: Sovereign Poppy makes history by becoming Dunstall Park’s first winner
Over the moon
Previous winner Singalong Curly was also in opposition but once he got going, he swept into the lead. He held on to win by a length from the fast-finishing Glengar Silent and the British contingent were over the moon.
He still remains undefeated in the Derby, even though the time didn’t match his best on this occasion.
Just when you thought finding winners was relatively easy, up pops Ballyhooly Bruno to take the spoils in the last quarter from another 8/1 shot Oreo Ollie.
The unfortunate fans favourite De Lahdedah couldn’t land a blow and bowed out at this stage.
As is the norm, the draw was made afterwards. It not only pits Heiress against Cheap Sandwiches again but has to overcome a tricky trap 5 slot.
There is pace all around and may need a little luck to avoid troublesome scrimmaging at the first bend.
Keeping the dream alive
With a clear run, he should still qualify and keep the dream alive. The second semi-final gives Magical Mag a good opportunity to continue her winning streak now at 8/1 to win outright.
The draw for the Plate has all three heat winners in the second semi-final so no room for error if they all want to reach the final.
Grouchos Hoffa has a chance if repeating his best effort last time out to take the first semi-final.
Good luck next Saturday to all connections as it promises to be another fantastic night of racing at H.Q.
P.S. I have a few spare printed copies of the Boyle Sports Quarter-Finals Official Programme so message me if you want one sending out to you.
