BRILLIANT BECKS THE CHAMPION AT KILKENNY
Ian Fortune
Much like his former footballing namesake, Carrick Becks was always set to create headlines and he certainly earned them at a packed Kilkenny on Sunday evening when emerging a brilliant winner of the Champion Open Unraced in front of the packed stands.
This year’s renewal has been a vintage one and Carrick Becks will likely fly the flag for the famous unraced competition going forward. A steady improved through the stake, the son of Doolin Duke and Droopys Beaufort was brilliant in the semi-finals, sending out a warning that he had the potential to be a real star.
Not only did he repeat that form in the final, he surpassed it. This was a statement display from the Robert Gleeson trained youngster as he posted a sizzling 28.73 on his way to landing the €13,000 decider.
Thomas Glynn, the lucky owner of Carrick Becks, was hoping he could trap on terms, giving him the best opportunity to show his stunning pace. There was no reason to worry. Carrick Becks had clearly read the script, breaking smartly from the inside trap before quickly asserting at the head of affairs.
Uncle Jim and Grouchos Frank did all they could to match Carrick Becks in the early yards but neither could contain him. Glengar Phantom was returned the 11-8 industry favourite from five but broke moderately and took a bump after a couple of strides from Kapuka Coley. This put both on the backfoot, while Goldcash Legend was last to hit the ground and could never get involved.
Up front, Carrick Becks was making the most of his inside pitch to move a length clear by the turn. Running a brilliant bend, he extended his advantage to enter the back straight with almost three lengths in hand and still he piled on the pressure. By now Grouchos Frank had taken over in second spot and gave pursuit but Carrick Becks moved with real purpose into the third turn.
Almost five lengths to the good when he again had to take a left, there was no stopping the leader. Carrick Becks was simply imperious. Grouchos Frank did run on strongly but Carrick Becks hit the line two and a half lengths clear. Grouchos Frank ran a big race in second, while Kapuka Coley ran well in the circumstances to finish another three and a half lengths adrift in third.
But this was all about the winner. Carrick Becks was electric. He has improved every time he has gone to the track and will likely to improve further. Have little doubt, he is a future champion and is a greyhound to follow in the coming months.
PRINCE RULES IN ORIENTAL DECIDER
The next biggest prize on offer was in the final of the Oriental Kennels A2 525 and Biorra Prince did what was needed to win by two and a half lengths in 29.00.
Trained by Karol Ramsbottom for Shane Rigney, the son of Mcinerney and Crossfield Linda led early to emerge a two and a half length winner in 29.00.
JOHNJOE STRIKES
Da Bould Johnjoe won the final of the Split The Pot @ Kilkenny Track A4 525 for Mick English and owners Thomas Farrell and Martin Fortune.
He too made all to win by a length from Gis A Break in 29.74.
GALLANT GOING THE RIGHT WAY
Droopys Gallant displayed his trademark early speed to win the final of the KGOBA A3.
Representing Murt Leahy and the Roll The Dice Syndicate, the son of Droopys Addition and Droopys Alyssa, who had shown real promise in the Future Champion Unraced at Enniscorthy, was dominant.
Posting a slick 4.23 sectional, he was in front from the outset and, despite tying up in the closing yards, held the fast-finishing Mystical Ranger by a neck in 29.36.
CASH SHOWS SERIOUS EARLY DASH
The finest run on the undercard came a little later, however, with Kilgraney Cash adding to the promise he had already show in the early rounds of the Champion Open Unraced.
A natural starter with fine early speed, Kilgraney Cash was paw-perfect in the A2 eighth race, rocketing to the turn to make every inch for Thomas and Mary Buggy. He would build a sizeable advantage before coasting home four and a half lengths clear in 28.89.