ROMEO AND SYD STAR AT CLONMEL

Peter Farrell

There were quality performances throughout last night’s Clonmel card but there were two runs of real class as both Seefin Syd and Romeo On Fire dominated their respective contests to post some flashy figures.

The quickest return on the night came in race seven as Romeo On Fire made it two wins from his last three starts for David Firmager. The March 19’ has of course some stunning form already to his name but the son of Droopys Jet and Rushmoorbeatrice produced arguably his best ever performance last night from trap five last night. Trained by Graham Holland, Romeo On Fire was simply electric at boxes as he posted a spectacular 2.72 sectional clock early doors. Motoring into the first bend, Romeo On Fire already possessed a clear advantage and he set a ferocious gallop down the back to stop the midway clock at15.92. Maintaining a strong pace thereafter, this was all one-way traffic for Firmager’s charge as he crossed the line with three and a half lengths in hand over Suir Road in second. The time was a stunning 28.35. 

SYD SHINES

Prior to the performance of Romeo On Fire, Seefin Syd had set a pretty high bar with a dominant display in race five.

Owned by Breda Barrett, Seefin Syd is only an October puppy but he showed instant potential with a brilliant 28.93 on debut and despite then going down to defeat in his second race, he bounced back in super style last night. Trained by Patrick Barrett, Seefin Syd was well housed in trap one and he made full use of his inside berth with a smart break from red. Showing excellent gear down the back, the son of Droopys Sydney and Yahoo Ava posted a sizzling 16.02 to the penultimate turn before pressing home his advantage in the closing stages. Running out a four and a half length winner from Riverside Best in second, the time was a sparkling 28.54.

IN OTHER RACES

Springwood Salah was seeking an eighth career victory in race two, an A4 contest, and he delivered in style despite a sketchy start. Running from trap two, the son of Droopys Jet and Allowdale Nokia didnt come away too fluently and he was forced to settle for fourth place early on. However, showing big pace from the halfway mark, Denis McCarthy’s charge cut through runners and he finished like an express train to draw clear of his rivals in the end. Galloping to a seven and a half length victory over Sober Diamond in second, the time was a rapid 28.76. 

Adam Dunford claimed a double on the night and it was Fantasy Jesse who went very quick in a 300-yard contest in race six. Owned by Leslie Coveney, Fantasy Jesse is a half-brother to Romeo On Fire and he took charge at the opening bend to outclass his rivals and claim a maiden victory. Tracking brilliantly around the bottom two bends, the son of Droopys Buick and Rushmoorbeatrice drew clear on the run for home and he was over four lengths too strong for River Heidi in second. The time was 16.28.

Nitro Anto led early in the penultimate race of the night, however, it was Wizard (Magical Bale - Coolavanny Park) who was to land the spoils. Trained by Paraic Campion for Gary Pepper, Wizard came away well wearing orange and he gave chase to Nitro Anto around the opener. Meanwhile, Blueway Best was flying in third and he blew holes in both Nitro Anto and Wizard down the back to take charge entering the third turn. However, as Blueway Best swung wide off the last, Wizard wasn’t to be outdone and he stayed on strongly up the home straight to gain a short-head victory over Blueway Best in second. The time was 28.92.