RED-HOT IRON STRIKES IN TIME CLUB DERBY DECIDER

Peter Farrell

The final of the €20,000 to the winner TIME Club Graders Derby featured at Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Saturday night and Neily Jones had reason to celebrate as Maid Of Iron upset the apple cart to make every inch of the running.

Kindly sponsored by TIME Greyhound Nutrition, who continue to put so much into the sport, this competition is unique in its make-up and it’s fair to say that it has proved hugely successful over the past five weeks. On the night, it was a wide-open betting affair with Skippy Fantasy installed as the 9/4 favourite, however, it was 6/1 chance Maid Of Iron that continued her purple patch in landing this incredibly valuable event.

LIGHTNING START FROM MAID

A lady that had been pinging from traps in previous rounds, Maid Of Iron hadn’t been given much respect in the betting market in the lead-up to the final as she won at odds of 10/1 in round two, before emerging a 5/1 victor in the semi finals seven days prior.

Indeed, that trend continued in the final as she was widely available at odds of 6/1 despite being on the receiving end of a plumb draw in red. With the break set to prove of utmost importance given the early speed on offer, ‘Iron’ needed to continue her paw-perfect trapping and she certainly read the script as she was spring-like into stride to post a blistering 1.19 sectional.

COMMANDING LEAD

Despite the explosive start from Maid Of Iron, Rinnwood Duke was next to follow in trap three and he was to show a fine turn of early speed to emerge hot on the heels of his rival on the run-up.

However, the complexion of the contest was to change between the first couple of bends as Rinnwood Duke lost his footing off the second turn, which allowed Maid Of Iron to skip into an unassailable lead down the back.

ONE-WAY TRAFFIC

Now in control by some ten lengths passing the halfway mark, the daughter of Lenson Bocko and Shes Ordinary was in full throttle and it was Skippy Fantasy who improved into second as he endeavored to close the gap on what was a runaway leader.

Indeed, while the latter certainly made inroads around the bottom two bends, the damage was done early as Maid Of Iron continued her relentless assault on the €20,000 decider. For Neily Jones, it was a case of finishing the job as his charge galloped smartly to the line to win by four lengths from the gallant Skippy Fantasy in second. The time was 28.67, which was a career best for the March 22’ whelp. The final podium position went the way of Robs Hero and that concluded a terrific renewal of the TIME Club Graders Derby. Many thanks are extended to TIME Greyhound Nutrition for their continued support and congratulations to Neily Jones on what was a fantastic performance from Maid Of Iron.

CONSOLATION SUCCESS FOR MARLEY

Just fifteen minutes earlier, Drombeg Marley wore down Rinnwood Leo to take home the consolation prize for Evan McAuliffe.

It was Daring Rambo that broke best of all from trap four, however, he couldn’t contend with the superior early speed of Rinnwood Leo as he took over the mantle to round in front. Holding a two length advantage at this point, Drombeg Marley set off in chase and he edged closer on the approach to the penultimate bend. The 4/1 Galway raider slipped up the inside on the run for home and this was to ultimately prove decisive as he reeled in Rinnwood Leo, before seeing off the renewed challenge of Daring Rambo. Just a neck and a short-head separating the first three home, Drombeg Marley stopped the clock in 28.69.