MANY FINE DISPLAYS IN DUBLIN BUT ELLO TAKES HEADLINE
Ian Fortune
There may have been no competitions or finals up for decision at Shelbourne Park on Saturday night but with the Winter Racing Festival just around the turn, there was no shortage of top-class racing.
Indeed, there were many wonderful performances on the night but the most decisive and impressive came in the finale with Ello Ello posting a sizzling 30.89 for the 575yd trip.
The hugely talented Low Profile was hot favourite for this contest but failed to get loose in the opening yards, edging inward from four. In contrast. Ello Ello came away running from two and ran straight and true into the bend, assuming control in the process.
Trained by Brendan Matthews for the Three Bs Syndicate, the powerful son of Airmount Nando was never under a moment’s pressure thereafter. Maintaining a merciless gallop throughout, Ello Ello raced to a comfortable three and a half length success over the fast-finishing Durrow Star in 30.89.
DEZ DASHES TO VICTORY
2025 National Puppy Stake winner Shotgun Dez was electric in the open sprint, rocketing from three to make every inch.
His task wasn’t as easy as it sounds, however. Tiermana Dream displayed big pace into the bend to challenge on the inside of the fast-starting Shotgun Dez but he failed to get through the gap and was forced to check.
Thos left the leader to his own devices. Trained by Graham Holland for Pat and Molly Muldoon, the high-class son of King Sheeran and Danish Robyn raced on to a facile six length success over Carrick Bruno in a rapid 18.43.
TICKETS REMAINS IN SUPERB FORM
It seems most Saturdays the Brendan Cullen No Tickets manages to add to his tally.
Owned by the Lord of the Rings Syndicate, the heavyweight has become a real favourite at Shelbourne Park and he carried his massive 88lb frame to another superb victory in the sixth race.
The son of Grangeview Ten and Roaming Shari faced some notable rivals but again flashed from traps and was always in command. Going clear to the second turn, he ran right to the line to see off the always second Cill Dubh Cothal by four lengths in 28.33, some three spots faster than seven days earlier.
DOLITTLE DOES PLENTY TO INITIATE KAROL’S DOUBLE
Karol Ramsbottom has his team in wonderful form at present and a double on the card is evidence of the fact.
It started with Doctor Dolittle in the fifth race over 575yds with strong running son of Sober Glory and Pennys Bobbyjo making virtually all to contain the late challenge of the fast-finishing Zippy Major. Owned by the Thirsty Seven Syndicate, Doctor Dolittle held on to score by a neck in 31.26.
COLEY COMPLETES THE DOUBLE
Puppy Derby runner-up Kapuka Coley completed the double three races later when getting the better of some very talented rivals in an open 525.
Only fourth into the turn after a tardy exit, the son of Sober Glory and Assarula Runner stepped wide off the second turn to challenge those in front.
Swords Style, Silent Noelle and The Other Mel were in a battle for the lead but Kapuka Coley charged down the back straight to take over into the third turn. It was a decisive maneouvre from Matt Dunne’s charge. Silent Noelle took up the chase but Kapuka Coley was never going to be picked up and he went on to score by a length and a half in 28.41.
OTHER RUNS WILD
The Other Wild began his career with quite a bang and, while things didn’t always gone to plan for the talented son of Ballymac Wild and Whitings Gift, he retains plenty of ability.
That was evident in the fourth race as he made all for Jennifer O’Donnell and the Born Wild Syndicate. This was your very typical The Other Wild display. Away and gone as he saw off the staying on Call Her by two lengths in 28.53.
KITTEN POUNCES AGAIN
The tightest finish of the evening came in the Open Bitch 525 with Town Kitten, Connemara Lady and Highview Slot crossing the line locked in battle.
The last named led early but Connemara Lady was too close in second and moved to the front down the back straight.
But Town Kitten is strong and has been in outstanding form for Sean Dooley. The daughter of Dorotas Wildcat and Town Mouse was never far away and came with a charge into the third turn to lay down a late challenge. In a desperate finish, Town Kitten got up late to score by a short head from Connemara lady in 28.59 with Highview Slot just a half-length back in third.
PAGE HAS HIS SHARE OF LUCK
Tearthepageout was a somewhat fortunate winner of the opener for Kevin Losty and the What Do We Know Syndicate.
The son of Droopys Got It and Wide Open actually flashed from traps but seemed to take a false step before losing his place into the turn.
A bad fourth into the third turn, he suddenly found himself with a golden highway up the fence after the front three clashed. Left in front before the final turn, Tearthepageout stayed on to see off Ball Of Cash by four lengths in 28.60.
MIGHTY MISSY
Missy Tashadelek handled the step up to 575yds with little fuss in the second race, leading before the turn before pulling clear of her rivals.
Trained by Neilus O’Connell for Thomas Lynch, the daughter of Broadstrand Bono and Coolavanny Charm eased into a near four length lead to the third turn before coasting home four and a half lengths clear of Swift Legend in 31.36.