BECKS AND PHANTOM IMPRESS IN CHAMPION UNRACED

Ian Fortune

Carrick Becks and Glengar Phantom were in a league of their own at Kilkenny on Friday night with both stepping up on previous form to post an identical 28.88 in the semi-finals of the Champion Open Unraced. 

Carrick Becks was headed in the early yards by the fast-starting Uncle Jim in the opening heat but displayed real track craft and determination to somehow force his way up the inside of the early leader as they hit the second turn.

It was a tremendous maneouvre from the Robert Gleeson trained son of Doolin Duke and Droopys Beaufort and one that sent him on his way to a brilliant success. Showing wonderful back straight pace, Thomas Glynn’s hugely promising youngster eased into a decisive advantage to halfway.

Uncle Jim briefly lost balance as they hit the back straight, allowing his kennel companion Kapuka Coley move second but Carrick Becks was on a charge and was never under threat. Staying on better than in his previous starts, Carrick Becks emerged a ready and most impressive four length winner in 28.88 (rated .30 slow). Kapuka Coley was second with Uncle Jim clinging onto third, a further length and a half adrift.

PHANTOM FLIES

Cill Dubh Cothal was a non-runner in the second heat, affording Glengar Phantom extra room into the turn.

The rapidly progressive son of Ballinabola Ed and Ambey Bamby made full use of it, showing real alacrity at boxes to lead the field into the bend.

There was a little crowing on the inside of the track, leaving the favourite Croydon Avenger with little room to race. Instead, Groucho Frank, a kennel companion to the leader, turned second and took up the pursuit.

Glengar Phantom was clear, however, and showing no signs of taking his foot off the pedal. Trained by Pat Buckley for Richard Colwell, Glengar Phantom powered to a brilliant two length verdict over his kennel companion Grouchos Frank in 28.88 (rated .30 slow). There was a further length to the staying on Goldcash Legend in third.

Champion Open Unraced

Final draw

1 CARRICK BECKS

2 UNCLE JIM

3 GROUCHOS FRANK

4 KAPUKA COLEY (M)

5 GLENGAR PHANTOM (M)

6 GOLDCASH LEGEND (W)

 

MISSION COMPLETE

Later on the card, Mission Control emerged a good winner of the Georgie Leahy Memorial A3 525, showing superior strength to his rivals to come through in the second half of the contest.

Never far off the pace, the Mick English trained son of Daves Mentor and Highview Mission stalked Foyle Milo into the back straight before joining and heading the early leader into the third turn.

Foyle Milo attempted to deny Mission Control the lead around the last two bends but Mission Control was too strong. As Foyle Milo faded away on the run in, both Comer Shark and Arrigle Out attempted to close but Mission Control was in the driving seat. Owen Dooley’s charge eased on to land the €2,500 prize by three lengths from Comer Shark in 29.29 (rated .30 slow).