UNDULATION FASTEST IN MERRIMAN MEMORIAL

Ian Fortune

Undulation had a little luck at the turn in Heat 3 of the second round of the Paddy Merriman Memorial at Shelbourne Park on Friday night but there was nothing fortunate about the quality of her success.

The daughter of Pestana and Unlock Unlock was only fifth into the turn but drove a wonderful corner to take advantage of bumping up front. Finding herself in front before the second bend, Brendan Matthews’ promising youngster raced right away to emerge a facile five length scorer over Crows Road in a fast 28.49.

Still over three months shy of her second birthday, it’s clear Undulation has a big engine and could be a star in 2023, especially if she were to find a yard more of early dash.

A GOOD JOB BY SAWDUST

Next fastest was the Chissel Syndicate owned Sawdust Good Job who stormed home to win Heat 2 at the expense of Whyaye Man.

The latter seemed poised to come through and score when challenging the early paced Yankee Doodle throughout but Sawdust Good Job had other ideas.

Staying wide of his rivals around the last two bends, the Murt Leahy trained son of Burgess Bucks and Droopys Talia hit the front on the run in for a half length victory over Whyaye Man in 28.72.

MARSHALL FINISHES WITH PURPOSE

Ross Dame led the field for much of the way in the final heat but he failed to contain the big finish of David and Shona Harrington’s Shonas Marshall.

Ross Dame took over on the second turn and led the field into the home straight but Shonas Marshall, after going second passing the sprint traps, was now advancing fast.

The promising son of Pat C Sabbath and Drive On Robyn really id finish with purpose to lead in the dying strides for a relatively comfortable length victory in 28.90. It seems only a matter of time before the winner goes considerably faster.

DREAM REPELS CAPTAIN

The opening heat was a muddling affair with Coolavanny Raven and Urban Captain always challenging the early leader Gortatlea Dream (Ballymac Best/ Solas An Iarthar).

It seemed on more than one occasion that the chasing pair would move past Helen and Vincent Morris’ pace-setter but it wasn’t to be the case.

Showing plenty of determination and running her own race, Gortatlea Dream continued to repel her pursuers. Urban Captain seemed to be perfectly positioned at the third turn he could never get to the front. Instead, Gortatlea Dream went on to cross the line with a short head to spare in 29.03.