TIME CLUB GRADERS DERBY TAKES SHAPE AS RUBY STARS IN ROUND THREE
Peter Farrell
After a number of big-hitters bit the dust in the second round of the TIME Club Graders Derby, six third-round heats took centre stage on the Limerick card on Saturday night, and the competition is now gathering serious momentum with a string of top-class performances across all six contests.
The 28.90 barrier claimed plenty of notable casualties last weekend, but with that stipulation now firmly in the rear-view mirror, it was all systems go for connections ahead of round three. The standout performance of the night came in the opener, where Kells Ruby registered his first victory of the competition in emphatic fashion for owner Seamus Martin and trainer Thomas Leahy.
Still only an October puppy, Kells Ruby had managed only minor placings in the opening rounds, but this is where the Derby begins to take shape and the improving youngster announced himself in style in heat one. Drawn in trap two, ‘Ruby’ was chasing a third career success and, despite a moderate start, quickly swept past Foulkscourt Best in one and Bright Mustang in four. Taking command at the opening bend, the son of Ballymac Cashout and Ravenswood Margo, sent off at 7/4, powered clear thereafter, turning a three-length lead into an unassailable advantage around the bottom bends. By that stage it was evident that a powerful performance was unfolding and, turning for home, the strapping blue continued to extend his lead before crossing the line nine-and-a-half lengths clear of Rossa Shelby in second. The winning time was a superb 28.46 .10f, while Zaconey Adonis secured the final qualifying position in third.
KNOCKROE MAKES ALL
Heat two saw Gortkelly Bart installed as the even-money favourite, but the spotlight belonged to Knockroe Jersey (3/1), who produced a flawless trap-to-line display for Suthida Lloyd.
A first-round winner before finishing third in round two, the daughter of Coolavanny Hoffa and Monadreen Pearl bounced back in style, pinging the lids from trap three and quickly asserting control. Holding a five-length advantage down the back straight, she was never seriously threatened thereafter and crossed the line three lengths clear of the staying-on Millmount Jacko. It was a thoroughly impressive performance from the blue-brindle bitch, who stopped the clock in 28.78 .10f, while Gortkelly Bart also did enough to qualify in third.
HAZEL OPENS HER ACCOUNT
Owned by the Epe-Brosnan Syndicate, Carrigmore Hazel was another runner yet to make a significant impact in the earlier rounds, but she found her stride in heat three with a sharp 1.28 sectional from trap two.
Taking charge from the outset, the daughter of Ballymac Cooper and Carrigmore Dizzy was pressed throughout by Eimears Lady, setting up a compelling duel from start to finish. However, Carrigmore Hazel displayed admirable determination to repel her challenger and emerge a length-and-a-half winner over her Northern rival. The 5/2 chance recorded 28.75 .10f, with Musical Queen taking the final qualifying berth in third.
BACK-TO-BACK FOR SNOOP
Favourite backers finally had reason to celebrate in heat four as Trumpers Snoop completed a notable double for owner Shane Ronayne.
Having come from off the pace to score impressively in round two, ‘Snoop’ employed different tactics this time around, taking control at the opening bend after early leader Faraway Queen had shown the initial pace. Producing a brilliant first bend, Trumpers Snoop quickly asserted and established a two-length advantage heading down the back straight, with Private Luna in pursuit and Millies Story making eye-catching progress approaching the third bend. However, when the latter checked off the turn, Trumpers Snoop continued to set a strong gallop out front and the 6/4 favourite always looked in command despite the late surge of Ballysloe Max. Just a length separated the pair at the line in a time of 28.71 .10f, while Private Luna held on for third, a further four lengths adrift.
IMAGINE DELIVERS
Imagine If had caught plenty of attention in round two with a strong-finishing second and went one better in heat five with a polished display for joint owners Liam Cahill and Tony Lacey.
The even-money favourite broke smartly from trap two and settled just behind early leaders Hello Oppy and Bounceback Poppy. Travelling strongly on the inside, the son of Koblenz and Tory Aria seized his opportunity entering the back straight, surging to the front and opening a two-length advantage passing the sprint boxes. Bundle Of Fivers began to make significant late gains approaching the closing stages, but Imagine If had already built enough momentum and held on well to score by a length. Bounceback Poppy claimed the final qualifying position, while the clock showed a rapid 28.54 .10f.
AL ARRIVES LATE
The concluding heat went the way of Kerryroad Al, who recorded his first win of the competition for owner-trainer Kevin McLean.
Seeking a first success since his debut victory, ‘Al’ made an immediate impression by bursting from trap four to record a blistering 1.25 sectional. Although Da Brake soon took over, the son of Head Bound and Fancy Tulip tracked the leader closely throughout, always travelling with menace. Turning for home, Kerryroad Al began to apply sustained pressure and produced a powerful finishing burst around the bottom bends before striking decisively on the run-in. Drawing clear in authoritative fashion, he crossed the line three lengths in front in 28.70 .10f, while litter brother Kerryroad Pa secured the final qualifying place in third.
The draw for round four of the TIME Club Graders Derby was made shortly after and is as follows : (Note - 1st 4 qualify for semi final stages)
Heat 1
T1 - Trumpers Snoop
T2 - Kells Ruby
T3 - Imagine If
T4 - Gortkelly Bart
T5 - Millmount Jacko
T6 - Zaconey Adonis
Heat 2
T1 - Carrigmore Hazel
T2 - Bounceback Poppy
T3 - Eimears Lady
T4 - Ballysloe Max
T5 - Private Luna
T6 - Kerryroad Pa
Heat 3
T1 - Knockroe Daisy
T2 - Rossa Shelby
T3 - Da Brake
T4 - Kerryroad Al
T5 - Musical Queen
T6 - Bundle of Fivers