DURROW STAR AND GORTKELLY JOHN IMPRESS IN SPRING DERBY SEMI FINALS

Barry Drake

DURROW STAR, trained by Francis Murray for owner Diarmuid Neill, recorded back-to-back wins in the second semi-final of the Spring Derby at Curraheen Park on Saturday night.

Amazing Charmer cut out a lot of the early running, however, the eye was always drawn to the well-fancied 1-2 favourite. Following up on a great winning effort last week, the strong running tracker found generously in the closing stages as he got the better of the longtime leader, by a length and a half, in 28.57. Two and a half lengths back to Drumshanbo Susie in third place.

FIVE ON THE TROT

In the opening semi-final, Gortkelly John made it five wins on the trot with another fantastic winning run.

In the care of Andrew Murray, the 4-6 favourite turned second as Microchip was setting strong early fractions. Nip and tuck from halfway, it was a ding-dong battle throughout, but the winner found that bit more in the closing yards. A short head the margin, in 28.60. Millridge Cora a length and a half back in third place.

OTHER STANDOUT RUNS

The closing race, an AO 575, produced another exciting finish with Delicate Lass running down Mister Myles in the final strides. Mary Kennedy's runner finished with a flourish to deny the well-backed favourite, winning by a length, in 31.30.

In the seventh, an AA0, Strideaway Kid turned over Irish Sprint Cup winner Broadstrand Syd when winning for Michael Spillane. Syd looked in control heading down the back straight, however, he was in trouble turning for home and the classy winner kept on best to land the spoils. A 28.70 winning run, two lengths the margin.

In the sixth, an A1, Rosstemple Pace delivered a fine front-running winning performance for Noel Barron. Always in control up front, the 5-4 market leader got the better of Danzig Rebel, by two lengths, in 28.49.