HABOUR AND SYD SET CHAMPION UNRACED PACE

Ian Fortune

The second round of the Champion Open Unraced at Kilkenny wasn’t a happy hunting ground for favourite backers on Friday night, although Neko Harbour did offer some respite as he obliged in a joint fastest of the round in Heat 2, clocking 28.93 to match opening heat winner Broadstrand Syd.

Julies Gem was one for the layers, obliging at 6-1 in Heat 3, while Hogan Stand was returned at 12-1 in the final heat. The racing was certainly competitive but also of a great standard.

SLICK SYD AN EXCITING PROSPECT

Broadstrand Syd got proceedings off to a flyer, showing tremendous early speed from trap five to lead a talented field around the corner. Representing Johnny Linehan and his lucky owners, the Ryan, Drake, Donovan Syndicate, Broadstrand Syd really did fly.

Clearing the bend with ease, he put the foot down into the back straight to open a commanding advantage to the third turn. Born Racer turned second but was left short of room between the bends, leaving Moanteen Wildcat to take up the chase into the back straight.

Broadstrand Syd was never going to be picked up, however. Despite the best efforts of Moanteen Wildcat and the fast finishing Ballymac Thelad, Broadstrand Syd crossed the line two lengths to the good in a superb 28.93. Moanteen Wildcat was second with Ballymac Thelad another length and a half away in third.

Given his early speed, the winner is clearly a classic contender in waiting and looks certain to have a big say in the outcome of this famous competition.

HARBOUR LOOKS THE PART

Neko Harbour posted an identical 28.93 in the second heat, although he did have to show great pace and determination into and around the opening corners after a moderate start. Beaming Opium displayed fine dash on the outside of the pack to slip around in front but Neko Harbour was not going to be denied.

Representing the team of Owen McKenna and Peter Comerford, the son of Droopys Sydney and Susie Sapphire was third into the back straight but flew into the third turn to challenge the leader. Moving straight past, he quickly put the result beyond doubt. Easing on, Neko Harbour emerged a facile five and a half length scorer over Beaming Opium in 28.93. Deadly Disco was another length and a half adrift in third spot.

HOGAN STAND TAKES HONOURS

Hogan Stand, owned by Joe McCarthy and Frank Neylon, may have been a big price in the final heat but there was nothing lucky about his victory. The hot favourite Hopes Teddy may have show in front into the turn, despite bumping Hogan Stand at trap rise, but h could never get the length he needed.

This allowed Hogan Stand to force his way to the front on the corner. Once doing so, the James O’Regan trained son of Droopys Sydney and Ballymac Orna proceeded to make every yard thereafter. Hopes Teddy did stick on well in second but Hogan Stand went on to win by a length and a half in 29.20. Ballyhooly Bruno was best of the remainder in third, another two lengths adrift.

GEM TAKES HER CHANCE TO SHINE

Julies Gem was aided by a rails pitch and some back straight traffic in Heat 3 as she emerged on top for Murt Leahy and the Gem Spring Syndicate. Of the pace into the bend, she was left third with a couple of her rivals finding traffic.

Lion Heart and Good Rory were at the head of affairs into the back straight but they clashed, leaving Julies Gem to go to the front before halfway. It was all very straight forward from that point. The

daughter of King Sheeran and Droopys Meteor ran out a three and a half length winner over Greenmount Bale in 29.25. Lion Heart recovered well to qualify in third, another six lengths further back.