OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCE FROM BLASTOFF CHASE IN LEE STRAND

Barry Drake

BLASTOFF CHASE delivered an outstanding performance in the second semi-final of Lee Strand 550.

Philip Buckley's dog showed plenty of early zip and the 2-1 joint favourite set strong early fractions up front. Allowdale Icon was showing big pace in second, but the one in front wasn't for denying as Blastoff Chase kept finding in front and he ran on strongly to land the spoils, in a superb, 29.59. Ballymac Katie was flying in the last corner and she came together with Allowdale Icon, but the last named recovered quickly and he kept on well for second, just two lengths back. A further length and a half back to Ballymac Katie in third place.

POWERFUL PERFORMANCE
Saleen Conn took the opening semi-final for Patrick O'Connor. It got messy at the opening corner and it was Vale Penny who slipped around in front.

The 9-2 winner turned second, flying down the back straight to lead, the strong running winner then pulled away to win easily. A powerful performance, clocking 29.97 and proving four lengths too strong for Vale Penny in second place. Two lengths back to Butterbridge Roy in second place.

ALL ABOUT EARLY SPEED
Jim By Two ran out a fine winner of the €1,000 to the winner
www.kingdomgreyhoundstadium.ie ON2 Stake Final. The 6-4 second choice of the punters produced a quick start, soon clear, the January youngster clocked 28.78 and made it three straight wins for trained Brendan Maunsell. In the ownership of Noel Griffin and Peter Kelly, the son of Droopys Sydney and Livz Dream rates an exciting prospect.