JACK SET THE STANDARD IN GOLDEN MUZZLE ACTION AT LIMERICK

Peter Farrell

The semi finals of the Greyhound & Petworld Golden Muzzle took centre at Limerick Greyhound Stadium last night and after landing his opening round assignment, Whats Up Jack produced another top-class performance to go quickest in the feature.

The withdrawal of Vincezo saw the Greyhound & Petworld Golden Muzzle 550 blown wide-open with many connections having reason for optimism heading into last night’s semi finals. However, Whats Up Jack in particular staked his outright claim as he went some thirty spots quicker than anything else in the stake in the opening semi final.

Owned by the O-L Syndicate, Whats Up Jack came from the clouds last week to chin Adamant Approach on the line but the 7/4 shot made a much sharper exit from trap four last night as he looked to justify his 7/4 starting price. Immediately shooting to the rails, Whats Up Jack took a two length lead into the back straight from Hazelhill Hazard and the improving Speedie Syd and he set a fantastic gallop to the third bend where he looked a certain winner. However, it wasn’t all plain sailing for Whats Up Jack and the son of Candlelight King and Balance Sheet had to pull out all the stops in the closing stages to hold off the powerful finish of Hazelhill Hazard in second. Two lengths separating the pair crossing the line, Whats Up Jack came out on top and he stopped the clock in a brisk 29.81. The final qualification spot went to Speedie Syd who also ran a fine race in third.

APPROACH MAKES ALL

In the second semi final, Adamant Approach went one better than last week’s performance for John Rainsford.

Running from trap four, Adamant Approach took no prisoners early on as he blasted from trap four to set the early standard and go around in front. Just a length between himself and Larchill Port down the back, the son of Pat C Sabbath and Adamant Gem proved a tough nut to crack as he continued to set the pace rounding the bottom two bends. Showing fine determination, Adamant Approach held firm and he crossed the line with one length to spare from Larchill Port in second. The time was 30.24 as Ganja Gun landed the final qualifying position with a blistering finish just a neck further back.

GUTSY BUD

In the remaining semi final, Young Bud came in as a reserve and grabbed his opportunity with both paws for Eugie O’Leary.

A 2/1 chance at the off, Young Bud came away well wearing the striped jacket but he was outpaced on the run to the opener by the Sean Stack-owned Loxley, who displayed massive early dash to dictate. Taking a narrow lead into the back, there was very little to separate Loxley and Young Bud as the former continued to edge in front. However, Young Bud was screaming for racing room rounding the bottom two bends and saw daylight on the run for home as he made his move. Storming to the front in the closing yards, Young Bud, a son of Skywalker Puma and Bobsleigh Jet, powered over the line to see off Loxley by one length. The time was 30.10 with Darrig Mia taking the final qualification spot four lengths further back.

MAGIC FROM KUBA

One of the standout races on the supporting card was race ten as Magical Kuba made his first return to Limerick since finishing second in the recent Con & Annie Kirby Memorial.

Understandably installed as the 4/6 favourite, the Pat Guilfoyle-trained superstar made his intentions clear from an early stage as he bombed out of trap five to take a one length lead into the opener from the early-paced Coolemount Boss in second. Quickly asserting down the back, the son of Magical Bale and Impact Miami soon opened a four length lead over his rival as he coursed into the bottom two bends in full control. Staying on brilliantly thereafter, Magical Kuba was back to his brilliant best in coming home four lengths clear of Coolemount Boss, who ran a cracking race in second. The time was a sensational 28.28.