MUSIC INTHE AIR AND BALLYMAC CHARBEL IMPRESS IN LEE STRAND SEMI FINALS

MUSIC INTHE AIR AND BALLYMAC CHARBEL IMPRESS IN LEE STRAND SEMI FINALS

Barry Drake

MUSIC INTHE AIR (Ballymac Cashout-Nocturnal Hekla) went quickest on the clock in the semi-finals of the €10,000 to the winner Lee Strand 550.

Trained by Patrick Guilfoyle for owners the Pension Plan Syndicate, the 4-7 favourite produced a quick start from trap two, and he took control early on. Displaying plenty of speed on the back straight, he led Tullig Coyote by a length as they approached the second-last corner, and from there, the powerful performer quickly put the race to bed. Staying on strongly up front, he flew home to beat the staying-on Ballymac Scheff, by three lengths, in 29.33. Moorstown Arwen made late gains for third, two lengths behind the runner-up.

In the second semi-final, Ballymac Charbel (Ballymac Kingdom-Ballymac Pete) came home in front for Liam Dowling. Cork runner Happy took an explosive start from trap one and set strong fractions up front. Charbel was flying down the back straight, and despite not having the clearest runs, he still managed to lead before the final corner. Powering up the home straight, the 4-6 favourite came home four lengths clear of Happy Me, in 29.46. Two lengths back to Gortatlea Mac in third place.

YES 27:60

Only three went to traps in the closing race, an AA0, and the super talented Ballycowen Frank (Ballymac Cashout-Peckies Flyer) delivered another sensational performance. Trained by Michael O’Donovan for owners Debbie Doyle and Dean Harpur, the 1-3 favourite clocked an incredible 27.60. 

Making the most of the inside line at the opening corner to slip around in front from trap one, he kicked clear on the back straight, showing awesome pace. One of the quickest in training, he recently dead heated in second in the Kirby final and he will be a huge player for the upcoming Race Of Champions.

A special performance, seven and a half lengths clear of Hunters Pilot. It won’t go into the record books because of the three-dog race but it’s a run that will be talked about for many years to come. YES 27:60.