TED AND OBOE CALL THE TUNE AT LIFFORD

Peter Farrell

While there was no sweepstake action on offer at Lifford Stadium this weekend, there were two performances of real note on Saturday night as both Cooga Ted and Ballyroe Oboe produced demolition jobs in their respective contests.

The first to score, and claim the fastest time of the night plaudits, was Cooga Ted. Owned by Stephen Radcliffe of Derry, ‘Ted’ had already shown his hand at Lifford, coming from well off the pace to win in 28.78 back in August. However, his performance on Saturday night was an even more impressive effort from the July son of Fromposttopillar – Mirrenofpaisley. Installed as the red-hot 4/7 favourite, Cooga Ted sealed the deal from traprise, pinging out to post a rapid 2.56 sectional. As a result, he had his rivals playing catch-up from the lift of the lids. Setting a scorching gallop thereafter, the classy white and black tracker continued to draw clear, putting eight lengths between himself and his nearest rival, Broc Two Boyos, at the line. The time was a blistering 28.76 .20s.

Shortly after, in the concluding race, Ballyroe Oboe also justified 4/6 favouritism with a runaway victory for Patrick Barrett. This tracker had some superb form around Dundalk to his name and looked the part when donning the blue jacket for connections. Moderately into stride, the son of Orchestrate – Ballyroe Elsie quickly outlined his superiority, showing a nice turn of early pace to lead around the opening bend. From there, his strong stamina came into play as he powered down the back straight before finding plenty on the Lifford hill, eventually crossing the line seven lengths clear of Hollywell Diva. The time was a very smart 28.82 .20s.